Burn More Calories

A question I am frequently asked is this:

"How can I make sure I am burning as many calories as possible when I'm at the gym?"

Enhancing your caloric expenditure during exercise is a science and can especially help when trying to lose weight. These are things that I did to help me lean down while I was preparing for my NPC competition last year.

1. Supplement Your Workout Beforehand

Supplements such as pre-workouts or fat burners are not just great for energy, but they give your metabolism a slight boost as well. This is because you have the energy to be more physically active and the stamina to push through a physically challenging workout, naturally burning more calories. 

2. Get Better Sleep

Yes, your quality of sleep affects your body's ability to metabolize energy sources throughout the day! When you don't get good sleep, all of your body's processes are less efficient, and your metabolism is included. You will also have more energy to go harder at the gym.

3. Short Resting Periods

This is an extremely effective way to burn more calories at the gym. In fact, if you shorten your resting periods while lifting weights, it affects your body in a similar way to cardiorespiratory exercise. Keeping your resting periods between 1-2 minutes between sets will keep your heart rate high, requiring your body to push further and burn more calories. 

4. Do Cardio Last

Studies have shown that weightlifting before doing cardiorespiratory exercise increases your metabolic capabilities during cardio. So, instead of starting your gym session with a 30 minute run before lifting weights, reverse it. 

5. Eat Breakfast

Eating a healthy and decent sized breakfast "kick starts" your metabolism for the day and helps you to burn more calories even while you are sitting at your desk job. Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast are more likely to lose unhealthy weight faster and keep it off easier. 

Remember to never neglect your general health -- burning a ton of calories is not more important than being safe and healthy! Going to extremes will only damage your metabolism and cause more problems for your body.