One Way to Save Workout Time

Let's be honest. We all start out the week or the New Year and say to ourselves that we are going to go to the gym and exercise more. Then for most of us at least time becomes one of the limiting factors. We all would like to exercise for at least an hour a day but it is very challenging to do this.

Many people have been taught for whatever reason that they need to do 3 sets of X number of repetitions when doing resistance training. A study done by the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) found that doing 2 sets vs 1 set produced 25% improvement in strength but 3 sets vs 2 sets only produced a 3-4% difference. So don't sweat the 3rd set!!! This may not save you a ton of time but every little bit helps!

Also, one last tip. When doing core strengthening, studies show that holding the position is more effective than repetitions. So when doing crunches for example, try holding the crunch for maybe 10 seconds and do 6 reps. Also try not holding your hands behind your neck so it will work on strengthening your neck muscles as well.

Cheers!

Steve