Are you really working out when you go to the gym?

I recently read an interesting article in Women's Health Magazine about how folks waste up to 35% of of their time at the gym not working out.  Have you ever thought how much time you may be wasting? Most days I wear ear phones even if I have no music on to stop people from talking to me.  This might seem rude but I just don't have time when I am trying to get my workout on to stop and have conversations.  I try really hard not to waste time especially when I am trying to do a circuit workout. There really is no time for conversation. I will catch up with you once I am done working out.

I love the suggestions they give to help you increase your efficiency at the gym.  I already follow most of these suggestions to keep my time in the gym effective.  I write out my workouts and bring that paper to the gym with me so that I can easily shift the workout around if equipment is being used. This is one thing that I have now ingrained in me as an aspiring personal trainer.  Here is the list for your review.

• "Hit the gym with a plan and move onto another exercise if someone else is using the equipment you were planning to use.

• Use a premade workout playlist instead of shuffle so you can just press play and go.

• Store your headphones in a case to prevent cord tangles and ensure your buds are ready to go when you are.

• Leave your phone in your locker (or if you’re using it for music, use airplane mode) to prevent distractions.

• Wear comfortable workout clothing to avoid mid-workout wardrobe issues.

• Try one of these smart ways to tie your sneakers, then double knot them before you start your workout so you don’t have to slow down for a retie.

• Fill up your water bottle before and after your workout, not during it, to minimize time spent at the water fountain.

• Work out with a personal trainer regularly. He or she will keep you focused and fend off other chatty gym-goers."

Read the entire article from Women's Health magazine, How Are You Really Spending Your Time at the Gym.  Enjoy your workout!