How to Do a More Efficient Gym Workout

Going to the gym does not mean that you're guaranteed to do a solid workout.

In fact, most of the people I see in gyms do very inefficient workouts. A lot of them make very poor use of their time at the gym and their lack of results are proof that they're just not getting what they signed up for.

If you feel like you're not getting enough things done at the gym, that you're spending too much time there, or that much of your gym time is wasted on things other than exercising, check out the following tips and get ready to make your workouts more efficient, intense, and results oriented.

1.  Plan ahead

Don't come to the gym without a workout program. I want you to know exactly what you're going to be doing at the gym: which body parts are you training, which exercises are you going to do, which machines you need to use. I also want you to estimate how much time you need in order to complete each segment of the workout whether it's cardio, stretching, weight lifting, warm up, cool down, and so on.

2. Mark the Time

When you do your workout, I want you to have a notebook with you. Having a fitness journal is a great way to keep track of the exercises you do, how much weight you lift, how many reps and sets you complete and so on. It is also a great way to see how much time each part of your workout takes.

3. Beat the Time

Once you know how long your workout takes you, as yourself this: "Can I beat this time or is this really how long this workout should take me?"

Most likely, you'll get the distinct feeling that you can do better. If so, try to beat your time in the next workout. Just try to make things faster. Naturally, there's a limit to how much time you can shave from your workout before it will become counterproductive. However, you will likely find that you can save some time here and there.

4. Don't socialize

The gym is a great place to meet people, right? Well, yes, if your goal is to get a date or find new Facebook friends. For me the gym is a place to workout, burn fat, build muscle, and get in shape. No more, no less. Any socializing that I do better fit in the rest time between my sets. If it takes longer I'm wasting time and reducing the efficiency of my workout.

The easiest way to handle this is to NOT socialize at the gym. If you must socialize, keep it to a bear minimum.