five ways to make the most out of your training

Finding it hard to maintain your training or want to take it to the next level? Check out these top tips from Celeste, one of our amazing Health and Wellbeing Trainers at The Bridge.

1. Fuel your body

For our bodies to function, we need food as fuel. A healthy, balanced diet provides the nutrients our bodies require to go about our day-to-day activities. We need the nutrients provided by food to enable our bodies to perform many key functions. For example, to give us energy, promote growth and repair and provide the body with key vitamins.

When your body is fuelled, you’ll feel energised during your workout which’ll help you achieve your fitness goals in the long-term. Working out without eating beforehand can lead to light-headedness, feeling weaker and feeling tired.

(Did you know gym members get 10% off in our café, The Bridge Social? We’ve got smoothies, juices and delicious veggie snacks and meals to get your body fuelled for your next workout!)

2. Rest days between sets

Ensuring your body is rested is a key component in making progress in your fitness journey. It’s important to allow yourself 24-48 hours of rest before working the same muscle group again. This allows your muscles to repair and recover from your previous workout. In addition, you should make sure you’re resting inbetween sets.

Listen to your body; if you don’t feel ready for the next set yet, then rest for however much longer you may need. Alternatively, if you feel ready for your next set sooner than usual, it could be a sign you’re ready to up those weights!

3. Sleep

On average adults should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Getting enough sleep every night has many benefits for exercise. For example, it helps muscle recovery, provides energy, improves alertness and reflexes.

If you struggle to fall asleep, you could try meditation or breathing exercises before you go to bed to calm your body and mind. Try looking up “guided sleep meditation” on sites like YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts or audiobooks.

4. Trial and error

We’re all unique. What works for one person, may not work for the another. It’s so important to listen to your body and experiment safely. Why not try one of our classes? At The Bridge we offer a variety of fitness classes everyday such as, aerial yoga, boxing, circuits and street dance (see our full timetable here). This would be a great opportunity for you to try something new and figure out what works for you.

5. Ask for help

Run by women for women, our gym is a space for all women to sweat, move and feel good. At The Bridge, all our trainers are there to help you with any questions you may have. Whether you’re unsure how to use a piece of equipment, want to double check that you’re doing an exercise correctly, or want to chat about your goals – we’re here for you! We also offer personal training sessions if you’re after more personalised support. Meet our trainers for more information or speak to a trainer on the gym floor!