5 Massive Workout Time Killers

killers workout

Are You Dealing With These Workout Time Killers?

It’s that time of year again, it’s getting cold and dreary outside. We go from being constantly on the move outside (hiking, running, bike riding) to getting our exercise mostly working out at home or even at the gym. Now that we are there, we need to make that time as efficient as possible. We all have been known to waste time at the gym; instead of being there for 45 minutes, we end up getting stuck there for 90 minutes. Here are 5 common workout time killers that decrease your gym efficiency and how to overcome them!

Avoid These Workout Time Killers

Switching Up Your Music:

This can completely kill the vibe of a workout and steal a lot of your time.

You know how it goes, you are having a great workout and then a terrible song comes on, you instantly have to change it. This could take a couple of minutes each time and if it happens often enough you can see the minutes adding up. To steer away from this make your playlist of nothing but songs that pump you up, before you head to the gym.

If you have nothing but awesome songs you won’t even need to take the time to switch your music.

5 Massive Workout Time KillersTexting:

Texting is one of the most common ways to lose time at the gym. I know it’s hard nowadays to not answer a text at the gym, especially if you are using your smartphone as your music device. You have got to stay away from this though, it kills your productivity.

If you have an iPod or other music device switch your music over to that and leave the smartphone in your gym bag! Or turn your phone on airplane mode!

Taking Too Much Time Between Sets:

This can kill your workout, or at least kill its efficiency. If you superset your exercises (doing a set and then instantly doing a set of an opposing muscle group with minimal time between sets) you can increase the productivity of the workout, increase muscle growth, and actually get some benefits of cardio exercises while you are at it.

This is accomplished by keeping your heart rate up through the entire workout because you aren’t resting between sets!

Steady-State Cardio:

Steady-state cardiovascular exercises have their advantages, but it also can be grueling, mundane, and very time-consuming.

One alternative is high-intensity interval sessions (See HIIT sessions) these little guys can be killers (in a good way). By doing bursts of high-intensity cardio followed by short periods of rest you can increase cardio fitness and you will really save a lot of time.

For instance, instead of doing 45 minutes of steady-state cardio on a treadmill, do a HIIT session for 15-20 minutes!

5 Massive Workout Time KillersSocializing:

I’ve caught myself falling victim to this one before. It’s easy to talk to your buddy for 5 minutes between sets but when this occurs over the course of the workout you will not only be there longer but your workout is likely to not be as productive and fulfilling.

Socializing is great but try to keep it to a minimum during your workout, only talk before or after your workout (not during), or hire a personal trainer that will keep you in check during the workout and make you finish on time and in an efficient manner!

Wrap-Up

By using the time you have at the gym to the fullest extent and efficiently as possible you will have a better workout, not dread going to the gym, and you will have more time to spend with your family and friends!

Remember when you are busting your butt in the gym to use that time wisely and you will see the results – avoid the time killers!

Time is money, don’t waste it on these workout time killers!

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Josh is the founder of DIY Active - your at home fitness source! He enjoys blending the latest science and expert advice with health practices to help you exercise smarter at home!
Josh Anderson
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5 Massive Workout Time Killers