5 Ways to Determine If You Are Doing a Complete Workout
Have you ever thought whether you are giving 100% to your workout? A sweat-soaked shirt or aching muscles cannot determine the effectiveness of your workout. Here are 5 science-backed ways to find out whether you are on the right track towards your fitness goals:
- Check your heart rate
Use a heart rate monitor to determine your heart rate. Heart rate is a good indicator of how hard you are working out. First, you need to figure out the maximum heart rate. Your heart rate should stay between 64%-76% of its maximum for moderate exercise and 76%-90% of its maximum for vigorous exercise. To find out your maximum heart rate, there is a simple formula – 211 minus 64% of your age. For example, if your age is 30 years, your maximum heart rate should be around 192 beats per minute.
- Swelling of muscles
After performing a strenuous exercise, excess blood will be pumped to your muscles. It can also wash out metabolic byproducts like lactic acid and toxins. As a result, your muscles will start swelling, and this effect may last up to two hours.
- An increased appetite
Your appetite may increase immediately after a workout. A good carbohydrate intake is essential within thirty minutes after every workout.
- Improved mental focus
A good workout can even provide you a real mental boost. Your productivity and clarity of thinking will improve. In fact, psychology experts say you’ll experience a significant mood boost after five minutes of exercising.
- Sound sleep
Research reports suggest that your sleep quality will also improve if you are working out right. If you are unable to sleep, it is a sign of over exercising.
More than concentrating on the weight loss aspect, make sure that you are performing a complete workout. It will help burn calories, build strength and lead a healthy life.
Hope these 5 ways help you in determining whether your workout is complete or not!