How to Choose the Right Workout For Your Fitness Goals

Undertaking the right workout for your fitness goals is essential for getting the results you want.

You need to be structuring an exercise plan based around your desired outcome.

How do I choose the right workout?

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.

Fitness

For: improving your cardiovascular fitness and endurance levels

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. A qualified Group Exercise Instructor will be able to identify which classes will be most effective for you.

Strength and toning

For: gaining lean, toned muscles, increasing strength and increasing 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: small group personal training, body transformation challenges or resistance training.

Weight loss

For: reduced body fat and dropping clothes sizes.

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: reduced stress, increased energy and general feel-good benefits

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. Alternatively, discuss your goals with a Gym Instructor, who will be able to take you through the best exercises for your goals.

If you’re interested in knowing more about the best exercises for your goals, check out our new Certificate III in Fitness qualifications. Specialising in group exercise instructing and gym instructing, these courses will provide you with a solid understanding of fitness principles, enabling you to implement and share a range of exercise techniques.

Call the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers on 1300 616 180 to get started today!