Make Every Hour Count in Your Fitness Journey
When it comes to reaching fitness goals, many people think the hard work starts and stops at the gym or class. But here’s the truth: it’s not just about showing up for a few workouts each week—it’s about how you fill the rest of your week that truly drives results.
If you’re working out three times a week, that’s about three hours in total. But what about the other 165 hours? To make those workouts truly effective, focus on maximising your activity and staying mindful of key lifestyle factors.
1. Stay Active Outside the Gym
Your Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) is just as important as your scheduled workouts. NEAT refers to all the ways you stay active outside of intentional exercise, like walking, standing, or even cleaning. Set a high step goal for each day—those steps add up to more calories burned and help support your overall health goals.
2. Prioritise Quality Sleep
Are you getting 6-8 hours of sleep each night? Lack of sleep can impact everything from your mood to your metabolism, making it harder to stay focused, energised, and even lose weight. Make sleep a non-negotiable part of your fitness plan
3. Hydrate for Success
Staying hydrated is essential for digestion, muscle function, and even fat metabolism. Aim to drink enough water throughout the day to support your body’s needs, especially if you’re working out regularly. Hydration is an often-overlooked factor that can make a significant difference in performance and recovery.
4. Get Your Nutrition Right
Nutrition is foundational to your results. Make sure you’re getting enough protein to support muscle repair and growth, and aim to maintain a calorie balance that aligns with your goals—whether that’s weight loss, maintenance, or gain. A diet rich in whole foods will provide the nutrients needed to fuel your workouts and recovery.
5. Remember: It’s All Connected
Fitness isn’t about isolated hours in the gym; it’s about a lifestyle that supports your goals 24/7. Reflect on your habits outside of workout times and ask yourself: Are these choices moving me closer to my goals or further away?
Reaching your fitness potential takes more than just scheduled workouts; it’s about optimizing your entire lifestyle. The real question is, are you making the most of every hour?