Follow These 7 Tips to Get the Most out of Your Workouts

When you have a hectic schedule, it's easy to skip your workouts. The next thing you know, you've missed an entire week.

I'm here to tell you that you don't have to spend hours at the gym to get leaner and fitter for an upcoming pro cheer or dance audition. Even when you're super busy, you can get the most out of an activity in less time, and also find ways to move more while you're going about your day.

Here are useful tips and tricks to make your pro cheer prep workouts more effective. Keep reading.

1. Incorporate movement into your day.

It's possible to workout without doing your formal exercise regimen. Yes, there are daily activities that totally count as exercise! The key is to move more and increase your heart rate. For example, at work, you can take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you're heading to a destination, park far from the entrance. This gives you an opportunity to walk and burn more calories.

2. Time your breaks between exercises.

Usually, we allow ourselves to rest for a couple of minutes before proceeding to the next set. During these minutes, we may socialize, read some text messages, or check social media. This time, use a stopwatch for your breaks. If you lift light weights, you can take a 30-second rest. Tough workouts need longer breaks. Just remember not to waste time.

3. Make modifications.

Do you often insist that things be done in a certain way? Being a stickler will do more harm than good for your fitness goals. If there are days where you have limited time, and you also happened to schedule a 45-minute workout on those days, then don't do 45 minutes. Do a short intense workout and make every minute of it count.

4. Hydrate yourself throughout the day.

This may not be a workout tip, but it can still affect your fitness results. Not drinking enough water can trigger sugar cravings and eating more carbohydrates than you should. So no matter how you workout, you'll still have a lot of glycogen stores to burn. Your body needs to deplete glycogen before it can utilize fat. Start with proper hydration!

5. Target different muscle groups in one session.

Instead of focusing on one muscle group during a workout session, target multiple areas. For example, you can use a combination workout such as push-ups as it targets your biceps and shoulders. If you're doing a move that targets one muscle group, decrease your repetitions and use the extra time to target another muscle group.

6. Build a mind-muscle connection.

People who are used to a workout don't always think about the muscle they're engaging. As a result, they don't get the most out of it. Remember that movement begins in the brain. Keep your mind focused on an exercise move. Feel your muscles contract and work through the full range of motion.

7. Do an exercise that you love.

Are you short on time? Before you make an excuse to skip today's workout, do a 10-minute exercise that is your personal favorite. That could be a treadmill workout, HIIT, or dancing.

Need a Great Workout Routine for Your Pro Cheer Audition Prep?

Pro cheerleaders stay fit, flexible, and strong so they can give out their best performance in the arena. However, achieving that wow-worthy, toned physique doesn’t happen overnight. You need to arm yourself with the right daily workouts.

Thinking of becoming a pro cheerleader?

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Join a POM FIT™ class below:

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