How to Judge a Good Workout (and Mistakes to Avoid)
So, you just finished your workout and you’re dripping with sweat. But was it really a good workout? Was that hour of pain worth it, or did you just make the classic mistakes that turn a sweat sesh into wasted time?
Let’s break it down so you can be sure your workouts are on point!
What Makes a Workout "Good?”
First off, a good workout isn’t just about how sweaty you get or how sore you feel the next day. Sure, feeling like a noodle afterward might seem like a sign of success, but there’s a lot more to it.
My boys at “Mind Pump Show” said it best, and were the inspo for this blog post. But, I digress. Let me properly introduce the Mind Pump crew. Hosts Sal, Adam, Justin, and Doug are my go-to ultimate fitness (and hilarious) gym buddies. Each episode they dish out fitness myths, nutrition tips, and training strategies with a side of humor and real talk. Whether you're deep into bodybuilding or just starting your fitness journey, these guys break it down in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. They call themselves "raw fitness truth" for a reason—no fluff, just solid advice with a lot of laughs!
Now that we all know each other, let’s dive into signs of a good workout.
1. You’re Pushing Yourself (But Not Dying)
A solid workout should challenge you. You want to be in that sweet spot where you’re working hard but not hating your life. If you can easily hold a conversation while lifting or running, you might not be going hard enough. But if you’re seeing your life flash before your eyes? Tone it down! You want to feel that burn without burning out.
2. You’re Feeling Progress, Not Pain
One of the easiest ways to know if a workout is good is progress. Whether you’re lifting heavier, running faster, or finally nailing that yoga pose that used to feel impossible, progress is a big indicator that your workout is working. Pain, on the other hand, is a major red flag. Soreness after a workout is normal, but sharp or persistent pain is your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s wrong here!”
3. You’re Energized (Eventually)
While you might feel tired right after a workout, a good one will leave you feeling more energized later. It’s like that post-coffee high, but without the caffeine jitters. If your workout is leaving you feeling wiped out for the rest of the day, you might need to scale back.
4. You’re Hitting Your Goals
Remember those fitness goals you set? A good workout should be moving you closer to them. Whether it’s building strength, improving endurance, or just staying consistent, your workouts should align with those goals. If you’re trying to build muscle, but all you’re doing is cardio, you might want to rethink your game plan.
Mistakes to Avoid Like Yesterday’s Protein Shake
Now that you know what makes a workout good, let’s talk about some of the common mistakes that could derail your progress faster than skipping leg day.
Mistake #1: Only Focusing on One Type of Workout 🏋🏽
Love cardio? Awesome! But if all you do is run on the treadmill, you’re missing out on building strength, improving flexibility, and keeping things interesting. Balance is key. Mix in some strength training, HIIT, or yoga.
Mistake #2: Skipping Rest Days 💤
I get it. You’re on a fitness high and you don’t want to lose momentum. But here’s the thing: rest days are as important as workout days. Your muscles need time to recover and grow stronger. You build and grow when at rest, not when moving. Without rest, you’re just breaking down your body without giving it a chance to rebuild. Overtraining = tired, grumpy, and more likely to get injured. Nobody wants that!
Mistake #3: Sacrificing Form for Speed 🏃🏼♀️
We’ve all been there, trying to crank out those reps as fast as possible, thinking we’re impressing the gym gods. But bad form is a one-way ticket to injury. Slow it down, focus on doing the movement right, and leave your ego at the door.
Mistake #4: Comparing Yourself to Others 👀
There’s always going to be someone at the gym who’s lifting heavier or running faster. But remember, their journey isn’t yours. Focus on your own progress. Besides, they might be making some of the mistakes we just talked about, and you’ll be the one crushing it in the long run!
Mistake #5: Thinking More Is Always Better 🧠
Sometimes, less is more. It’s tempting to think that doubling up on workouts will get you results faster, but that’s not always the case. Quality beats quantity. A short, focused workout with good form and intensity beats a long, half-hearted one any day. Remember, there is a difference between tolerable and optimal. Aim for optimal.
The Bottom Line: Judge Your Workout by Your Own Goals
At the end of the day, a good workout is one that’s pushing you toward your goals, leaving you feeling strong, energized, and maybe even a little proud of yourself. If you’re making progress, avoiding injury, and feeling good, you’re on the right track. Just watch out for those common mistakes, and you’ll be crushing your workouts in no time.
Now go out there and dominate that next workout sesh—you’ve got this! 💪🏼
