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Choosing the right workout for your fitness goals

Undertaking the right workout for your fitness goals is essential for getting the results you want. Just as there’s no point in an hour of cardio a day if you’re looking to build muscle, you need to be structuring an exercise plan based around your desired outcome.

First and foremost, ask yourself why you want to work out. Is it to lose weight, tone up, strengthen your muscles or simply increase your current level of fitness? Some of the most common answers offer surprisingly straightforward answers.

To help you define your workout goals, take a look at the four following Element Fitness Solutions:

Fitness

For: improving your cardiovascular fitness and endurance levels, while toning and strengthening muscles.

General fitness training encompasses a balanced amount of:

  • Strength
  • Cardio
  • Flexibility/balance
  • Nutrition
  • Restoration

The good news is that this leaves you open to any type of exercise. Try to incorporate a mixture of the above into your lifestyle, and aim to train or work out at least three times a week.


Try: group fitness classes, personal training or training challenges.

Strength & Toning

For: gain lean, toned muscles, strength and increased muscle mass.

To strengthen and tone your body, you need to focus on developing lean muscle tissue and working your major muscle groups. Compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, chin-ups and push-ups are great for building up your strength and burning a higher number of calories.

Try: personal training, body transformation challenges,  resistance training or a class like bodypump.

Weight Loss

For: reduce body fat, drop clothes sizes and look great in the mirror.

For the most effective weight loss results, an individual should undertake a combination of cardiovascular and weight training exercises, three to four times a week. It’s important to note that weight loss is also largely contributed to by a person’s diet, so ensure you’re partnering a healthy exercise routine with a clean and corrective nutrition plan.

Try: high-intensity interval training, weight circuit training or personal training.

Wellness

For: reduce stress, increase energy and feel happy and healthy.

For many of us, exercise is not only an outlet for physical energy, but your general wellbeing. To reduce stress and increase energy, opt for a workout that allows you to slow down – both mentally and physically. Exercises based around stretching and relaxation focus on slow controlled movements and relaxing poses to sooth your mind.

Try: yoga, pilates, body balance or tai chi.