There are tons of different workout plans, but how can you find the best one? Do any of the latest fitness fads work? What’s the best way to get in shape and stay in shape? How can you stay on track and meet your fitness goals? 

According to the experts, a great workout plan takes into account a person’s age, fitness goals, food choices, and schedule. If you want to get the most out of your new fitness plan, you’ll need to be efficient. With that in mind, here’s the world’s most efficient workout plan:

Set Goals for Yourself

Setting goals helps you focus on what you want to achieve and think logically about how to make those goals a reality. After you determine your goals (Lose weight? Build muscles? Improve endurance?), you’ll be able to think about all the factors that might hold you back. 

Knowing what could potentially make your goals harder to reach will help you prepare. Some examples might be knowing that you’ll be attempting to lose weight at Thanksgiving and it might be hard to make good food choices or planning your workout schedule around upcoming appointments. When the time comes, you’ll be ready with a plan or response and less likely to get derailed. 

Setting goals will also help you to focus on the facilitators, or what will make this journey easier for you. Examples might include an accountability partner, commitments to events like races, or rewarding yourself.

Nutrition is Key

Have you heard the saying “abs are made in the kitchen”? It’s not just true about abs, but about any workout plan. Exercise can only take you so far. It’s important to back up what you’re doing in the gym with what you’re putting on your plate. 

Basic nutrition education is essential. You’ll need to consider your food choices and try to choose the healthiest options available to you. Not sure what’s healthy? Check out “Choose My Plate” from the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) to learn more about healthy choices when it comes to what you eat and how much your body needs to be healthy.

Even if you’re already making excellent food choices, don’t forget that supplements can be a game-changer for your workout plan. All workout routines should include a dose of daily vitamins. For example, according to the Village Vitamin Store site, calcium is essential for building strong bones and even muscle contraction and energy metabolism. Yet, most of us don’t get enough from sources like a glass of milk. We could all benefit from a daily calcium supplement.

Choose the Right Exercises

The type of exercises you’ll want to include in your workout plan depends greatly on your goals and abilities. For instance, if your fitness goals include losing weight, your plan might be very different from someone working out to build muscle. Just make sure you have a good pair of shoes for the right activity and if you have flat feet you can try these training shoes for flat feet.

Some exercises are so efficient that they are perfect for losing weight or building muscle. These include:

  • Squats
  • Deadlifts
  • Push-ups
  • Plants
  • Mountain climbers

Make a Schedule and Stick to It

One big part of creating an efficient workout plan is to make a schedule. Having scheduled times to workout helps you stick to it. You’re less likely to back out if it’s in your calendar.

Before you make a schedule, think about how much time you can devote to your workout plan. Can you exercise every day or just three times a week? Less? Also, think about the length of each session. Do you need a 15-minute workout or can you devote an hour to fitness each day?

Even 7 minutes a day can help you meet your goals in the end if you can stick to the plan. So, carefully consider your availability and commitment before beginning a new workout plan.

Reward Yourself!

Finally, be sure to treat yourself! A new outfit, a trip to the sauna, whatever it may be… be sure to reward yourself for working towards and meeting your fitness goals. Rewards give you something to work towards and look forward to at the same time.

Choosing non-food rewards is important. Over time, it will help you to stop rewarding yourself with food and give better gifts to yourself…. Like the gift of fitness.

There it is, that’s the world’s most efficient workout plan. Not what you expected? I’ll admit it’s not as cut and dry as you may have thought. However, if you remember to set goals, make healthy food choices, take your vitamins, set a realistic schedule, and stick to the plan; you’ll be ready to reward yourself on a job well done soon.