Winter Strength Training - Plan your workouts to maximise gym time!

The winter is off-season for many sports; no competitions, but a time to prepare for the spring and summer when the competitive calendar returns. However it is also a time for those who are solely looking for improvements in their own health and wellbeing can make key gains and change how they will feel when the weather improves!

5 ways to improve your strength and fitness and improve fitness motivation:

1. Plan your workout session: This may sound obvious, but many people enter a gym and go on feel or what strength training equipment is currently available. Have a clear plan that you follow. It doesn't have to be complicated but should cover key movement patterns, and have a sets and reps scheme.
2. Set a schedule: Alongside what to do when you are in the commercial gym, or in your home gym, you need to have a routine of WHEN to train. One week of 4 workout sessions but then the next week of 1 workout is no good - twice a week would be a much better plan if you can stick to this!
3. Make the most of the workout equipment you have: Gyms in January are busy places - so having your own strength training equipment at home is an ideal investment. However you dont need a weights rooms worth of kit. A sturdy weights bench will allow you to bench press, row, bench pull, elevate rear foot for split squats, glute bridge with shoulders or feet elevated, step up, pistol squat, press up with elevated hands or feet...the list goes on. Add some kettlebells, a barbell and some squat stands and you have many many progressions of the above exercises with a robust, sturdy weights bench. Especially with a weights bench made in UK !
4. Have a goal: As mentioned at the star, competitions often occur during the spring and summer months, which gives a timeline for you to train and try to make improvements. It may also be a holiday you want to be fit and healthy for, or an occasion. The goal ultimately is personal, but having one is key as it will hold you accountable.
5. Involve others: Motivation and routine are more important than the perfect workout programme - keep showing up to train! Some people will benefit from employing a personal trainer or coach. They will motivate, progress sessions, improve technique and maximise performance. Others will benefit more from training with friends, as it will be more fun and also encourage them to turn up to the gym, or invite them over to the home gym to train.

Whether you are a professional athlete, or just focussed on improving your own health and general fitness, Milway performance is here to provide the equipment. Sturdy, UK weights benches, slant boards for ankle mobility and rehab and world class advice to help you maximise improvement, whether that is at home or at a commercial, public gym.