Posted: 7 months ago

Train with Tish… our resident fitness expert Patrycja Lafferty on how to tailor your training programme

WHEN it comes to training at the gym, there are several key areas that we need to focus on in order to maximise our results and achieve our fitness goals. These include having a well-structured training programme, following a balanced meal plan, food shopping and preparing our meals in advance, ensuring we get our daily steps in, and prioritising sleep.

Having a well-structured training programme is crucial for making progress in the gym. This means incorporating a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups, as well as ensuring that we are progressively overloading our muscles over time. It’s important to have a clear plan in place that outlines the specific exercises, sets, and reps that we will be doing each day, as well as any additional cardio or flexibility work that we may need.

In addition to our training programme, following a balanced meal plan is essential for fuelling our workouts and supporting our recovery. This means consuming a mix of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to pay attention to our portion sizes and meal timing in order to optimise our energy levels and performance in the gym.

Taking the time to shop for food and prepare our meals in advance can make a huge difference in our ability to stick to our meal plan and avoid making unhealthy choices. By having healthy, pre-portioned meals and snacks readily available, we can ensure that we are properly fuelling our bodies and supporting our fitness goals.

Taking the right supplements, such as protein shakes will also  help with  our training and fitness goals. Protein shakes can help to repair and build muscle after workouts, leading to better overall performance and recovery. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to ensure we are taking the right supplements for our specific needs.

In addition to our training and nutrition, getting our steps in each day is important for maintaining an active lifestyle and supporting our overall health. Whether it’s through walking, running, or other forms of physical activity, making an effort to move more throughout the day can have a big impact on our fitness and well-being.

Finally, prioritising sleep is crucial for allowing our bodies to recover and repair from our workouts. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night in order to support our physical and mental performance in the gym.

In conclusion, focusing on a well-structured training programme, following a balanced meal plan, preparing our food in advance, getting our steps in, and prioritising sleep are all essential components of our training at the gym. By paying attention to these key areas, we can maximise our results and achieve our fitness goals. 

Tish is a personal trainer at Everlast Gym, L’derry