by Kevin Osheer

Created on: July 14, 2009

Efficiency is one of the most important factors when exercising. To see the biggest results in the shortest time you must work as efficiently as possible. Exercise can be a very complicated process because of all the different factors that make one trainer more successful than another. Some of the biggest secrets to success in exercise is the element of surprise, rest and intensity.

When we exercise our bodies are basically adapting to whatever we put them through. If all you ever do is run 25 minutes at exactly 5.5 miles per hour, that's what your body will train for. This doesn't mean that your body will not perform well in other situations, but it means that your body's performance will mostly increase when running 5.5 miles per hour. Studies have shown that it is far better to run at random varied speeds for the same amount of time. This means you will be going faster, but you will also have opportunities to go slower. The random combinations of run, fast jog, sprint, slow jog, sprint, slow jog, and so on so forth, is that your bodies is surprised. If you keep your body guessing as to what it will do next, the only way for your body to adapt is to be prepared for everything. This will lead to a much better fitness level.

Resting can make a major difference in both cardio exercise and weight training. If you fail to rest your body for as long as it needs, you often hinder your bodies progression. If you lift weights more than an hour your body stops producing the chemical that promotes growth. If you run yourself ragged, you will no longer be able to run as well until you get that rest. Neglecting rest can also lead to injury. Often times it is a good idea to take a few days to a week off every few exercise cycles. Many athletes have found that their performance increases after such a break because they allow their bodies to heal. Never neglect proper rest in your routine.

The intensity at which you work out is one of the most important things. Whether your goal is to build mass or to lose weight, the intensity of your workout can largely affect your results. If you are lifting weights intensity can be the different between 6 and 8 repetitions. If you're running is can get you that extra five minutes that will burn more fat. The key in exercise is to want the results bad enough to put in the effort.

Exercise is a very precise and important part of life. It is difficult in nature but the results are always worth the work. If you aren't doing everything you can to exercise as efficiently as you can, you're wasting that extra bit of progress. Learn these secrets to success and adapt your routine to fit them. You will see results.

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