Whether you work out for fun or you have a target event in mind, there are many ways to make the most out of the limited time you have available.

Since we all lead busy lives and working out is often slotted in between work and family, it makes sense to optimize your workouts.

Exercise is essential for your overall health. Regular exercise has been proven to show benefits for your mental health too.

But no matter why you exercise, you are most likely not getting the most you can get out of your workouts.

Read on for some useful tips.

6 Smart Tips for Getting More from Workouts:

1. Follow a Training Plan.

Working out randomly when you feel like it will not generate impressive results.

While it’s okay to do a short run from time to time, or lift weights in the garage once in a while, if you want to see gains, this isn’t the way to do it.

For best results, have a training plan and stick to it. This applies whether you are trying to build muscle or earn a new PB in a 10k race in three months.

There are loads of training plans online if you are working towards a race such as a marathon.

If you can’t find anything that suits your goals or fitness level, contact a personal trainer and ask them to devise a personalized plan just for you. It won’t be as expensive as you think.

2. Be Consistent.

Consistency is crucial. A haphazard approach won’t work if you want results.

Have a weekly planner where you record your workout sessions and stick to them.

If work is busy and you are stressed, instead of ditching a hard workout, do a recovery workout instead, or hit the pool.

It’s better than lazing on the couch with a pizza and six pack.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet.

Eating a poor diet will hinder your workouts in numerous ways.

Your body is an engine and it needs the right fuel for maximum performance.

Make sure you eat a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.

A small calorie deficit is okay if weight loss is your goal, but not eating enough will harm your performance, especially if you are trying to build muscle.

4. Try Sports Supplements.

Sports supplements can make a big difference.

There are lots of them on the market, so choose one that suits your workout goals.

This site has a great resource on turkesterone if you are trying to build muscle as part of a weight lifting program.

Other supplements are designed to boost flexibility and power, and some are helpful if you want to burn more fat during workouts.

Read up on the best ones and try one or two out to see if they work for you.

5. Work Out with Friends.

Most things are more fun with company, and working out is no exception.

Planning training sessions with a friend makes you more accountable and it’s harder to skip a session when you have a friend waiting.

You’ll have more fun working out with a friend, plus they can assist when lifting weights.

Try it and see how much more enjoyable a hard track session is when you are competing with a friend.

6. Join a Sports Club.

Sports clubs offer numerous benefits.

For one thing, you have access to coaches and training advice, and for another, it’s a great way to make friends with a similar interest to you.

Lots of people work out on their own, but joining a club means you have company and people to support you on your fitness journey.

What You Should Remember?

Finally, it’s always a good idea to have a target goal.

This gives you something to work towards, which is more motivating than working out for the sake of it.

Goals can be anything from a 5K fun run to a fitness bikini contest.

Pick one that suits your ambitions.

And follow the other advice.