Less is More: Why You Need to Workout Less at the Gym

You've committed yourself to becoming a gym rat, but in your resolution to get in shape, the results just aren't encouraging enough. If your hard work is paying off, you're seeing results in the mirror and feeling better. Still, finding the right balance is key: exercise can get you in shape fast, but many people make the mistake of thinking more really is better.

Cardiovascular training can help get your body in peak condition in just a few weeks, but it can be the bane of existence for the avid gym-goer. How many people have you seen charging through that elliptical machine night after night, but with hardly any changes in physique? If you're one of them, the process often leads to frustration and low motivation. The best workout routine is a rotating one; it's one reason why circuit training gets you in shape fast! Working hard doesn't always mean you're working smart.

You can start by rotating your cardio routine. Don't settle for racking up mile after mile on the treadmill each week; change the routine to short bursts of 20-30 minutes on a different machine, and you'll start to see changes in as little as two to three weeks.

Don't overlook the possibilities for weight loss and toning your body with weight training. If you're spending hours at the gym each week with little or no results, you're probably not challenging your body enough. Adding a component of weight training will make you workout with higher intensity; and get results in almost half the time.

Reducing your risk of injury is an important factor when you're heading off to your sweat session each week. Injury from lifting weights can sometimes go undetected, and if you're not eating properly it's likely that you'll shift into overtraining mode in no time flat. Make sure you're eating well and drinking plenty of water; adding a nutritional supplement to your routine will also help your muscles recover quickly and efficiently. Spend time focusing on strength and flexibility, and you'll need less time at the gym to simply burn calories.