The no. 1 tip for an even better training routine
4 min
©SrdjanPav
How do you decide which kind of workout you’re going to do? Most of the time, we stick to stringent diktats or follow recommendations that we’ve read or heard somewhere or other. Often, we become convinced that this must be a good thing. But is it really? It’s something worth asking yourself more frequently. Instead of simply obeying everything your head is telling you, try listening to your gut more often. Intuition is a kind of superpower. By paying a little more attention to it, you can take your fitness training to a whole new level.
But be careful not to trust that second voice in your head, your inner couch potato. That has nothing to do with intuition. Luckily, there are clever ways of outsmarting it.
What is intuition, exactly?
Intuition comes from the Latin word “intueri,” which means “to look more closely” or “to listen more carefully.” Your intuition is usually drowned out by your brain, which shouts much louder, always purports to know what’s best and packages its knowledge as the only truth. But while your head is busy overthinking everything, your gut instinct far outperforms it in terms of speed. Intuition isn’t about understanding, exactly; it’s not something that can be steered or controlled. And that’s precisely why it’s worth learning to trust it.
Training based on gut instinct: Why you should give it a try
These days, we’re constantly bombarded with opinions, recommendations, and instructions. Everyone thinks they know the best way to work out. But only you – or rather your gut instinct – know what’s best for you. Learn to listen to it more carefully and put your trust in it, and you’ll notice how much happier and more motivated you’ll be when working out. You’ll see an upsurge in performance. Not only will this allow you to take your training up a notch —you’ll also find coping with day-to-day life that much easier. Both listening carefully and providing targeted support can work wonders.
Sources for this article
Learning to train according to your gut instinct
You may well need to practice trusting your intuition, but that doesn’t mean throwing out your entire training plan without further ado. It can be helpful to stand back a bit more often and take a closer look at things, listen to what your body’s telling you and feel where you’re at. We’ve put together some tips to help you train based on gut instinct:
#1 Swap rigid training schedules for greater flexibility
Achieving your goals takes a certain amount of planning, there’s no question about that. But to paraphrase a well-known saying, plans are there to be discarded. Every now and then, at least. The same goes for your workout schedule. Sure, it’s a nice thing to have and it provides a good template, but you should get into the habit of asking yourself whether this is really what your body needs today, and whether it will make you feel good. Don’t just do what’s on your schedule; listen to your gut instinct instead. If you’d rather go jogging than do a weight training session, then go for it.
The same goes for your workout times. Intuition provides a good guide. When you need a bit of a push – no matter when you’re exercising – our Workout Aminos are just the thing.
#2 Mix up your workouts
Instead of simply lifting weights in the gym because “that’s just what you do,” aim for a bit more variety. Why not sign up for a class, go for a run, or arrange a HIIT workout with your friends? Not doing the same workout day after day will help you become more mindful and aware of your body in different situations, which in turn will make you more attuned to your intuition.
#3 Try new things more often
Trying something new takes you out of your comfort zone. It’s not always an altogether pleasant experience, but it hones your intuition along the way. An unfamiliar challenge will make you more present in the moment and heighten your awareness. Besides, as the saying goes, if you never try, you’ll never know. So get out there and try something new! This could be the thing that takes your fitness regime to a whole new level.
Speaking of wonderful new things, you should definitely try our new extra-fluffy pancakes.
#4 Find a sport you love
If you do what you love, you’ll do it more often. Anything you enjoy doing will come more naturally and prove less challenging to master. Instead of doing a workout that will only drain you of energy, opt for a form of exercise you really enjoy. What might that be? See here for inspiration.
#5 Find your WHY
Be honest, what’s your reason for working out? Is it because you feel you should? Or because you think you need to lose weight or burn some calories? It’s time to forget all that, or start to shed that mindset, at least. Admittedly, switching off that voice isn’t easy. The trick is to let your intuition speak louder. Focus on the great feeling you get when exercising. Remember that it’s good for your body to be active. Don’t let the WHY behind your exercise routine be some sense of obligation; a workout should be something that you’re doing just for you.
#6 How do you really feel after a workout?
It’s a vital question. How do you feel after a workout? What does exercising do to you? Recognize that effect without judging yourself for it. To increase your motivation levels, focus on the positive feelings that a workout induces. In turn, this will keep you fired up for your next exercise session.
Is there anything else you could do to prolong that post-workout high? Why not treat your muscles* to a creamy Whey Protein Shake!
#7 Take a break
As your training routine becomes more intuitive, you’ll realize that sometimes you simply need a day off. But there’s no need to feel guilty about it: this is pure self-care. Your body and mind need time to process, grow, and heal.
To sum up
It’s a small but subtle difference. Your intuition is your steadfast companion in life, and it’s there for you as you train, if you only listen to it. Don’t be afraid to go with your gut and make a change. Once you make a start, you’ll notice how much better your workout feels in no time.
More things to know from foodspring:
- This new study will make your training easier in the future
- Eating intuitively: We show you what it’s all about
- 6 amazing things your body can do
- 6 tips for improving your mental agility
- The 6 best sports for lifting your mood
*Proteins contribute toward an increase in muscle mass.
Sources for this article
We at foodspring use only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
