Ready to level up your strength game? Whether you’ve hit a plateau, are ready for a change or just want to up that post sweat endorphin rush. Here are 6 easy ways to turn up the heat and reignite your passion for your strength workouts. This post is sponsored by adidas. As always, all ideas are my own.
6 Easy Ways To Turn Up The Heat On Your Strength Workouts
Add Supersets
Pair 2 exercises back to back with no rest in between that work similar muscles. Think squats followed by lunges or push-ups and chest presses). Supersets keep your heart rate up and your muscles working overtime.
Shorten your rest time
Reducing your rest time in between sets forces your body to work harder and recover faster-hello strength and endurance gains.
Go heavier
If your last few reps feel “easy”, it may be time to reach for those heavier weights. Challenge=change.
Tempo Training
Slow down your reps. Controlling the speed of each rep (like a 3 second decent into a squat) builds big time focus and strength.
Add a finisher
Finish off your strength session with a 5-10 cardio burst. This can be anything from power walking on an incline, cycling or something simple like jump roping.
Motivate (or reward) yourself
Nothing motivates me more than a new set of workout clothes. Chances are your workout shoes could use a replacement. I love a fun, bright gym shoe like these. Having comfortable, functional and fashionable exercise clothes that help you feel good can do wonders for your motivation.
Intensity isn’t always about going all out all the time. Being intentional about pushing your limits can do wonders for your confidence and your motivation.
These are great tips! I’ve switched Crossfit for Bodypump while we’re here in Zurich. Bodypump uses lighter weights, but a lot more reps. I’m feeling it!
It is never a bad thing to mix up your workouts!
It can be so beneficial to lift heavier weights! Even just trying to go heavier for 1 set can make a difference.
yes, It can make a huge difference for sure
Great tips, Deborah! Our coaches always say that the weights should be heavy enough that you can barely do the last 2 reps!
yes that is also how the Peloton strength classes direct us. It works!
I’m loving all of these tips! The slow-motion moves really light a fire, don’t they! I also try to do static holds with one arm while doing single lifts with the other (instead of just leaving the “unused” hand sitting idle), holy bonus burn 😉
Yes some of the classes have the static holds which are a fab challenge
Great tips. I love doing supersets. They are challenging and they make the workout go faster.
agreed!
All excellent points. I am looking forward to getting back to the gym with some consistency. it’s frustrating that my schedule just doesn’t allow me that extra time.
the gym will be there when you are ready!