A cool thing about being in the Fitness World is the amount of different people I get to spend time with and talk to everyday.

People from all ages, backgrounds and nationalities, different personalities, goals and stories to tell. It’s always great to hear people talk about the things they are into. Like the woman with 4 sons who are very prominent in the GAA and Strictly Come Dancing Comps in the local parish.

Or the business man who travels the world putting working on putting deals together.

It’s also great to hear how certain things work – broadening my horizons every day. For example did you know that Wheat Beer is great with Spicy Food or if an India Pale Ale is good with Fish and Chips. Not that you’d be eating Fish and Chips..

When I chat to the Barmen about the efforts that they go to making sure that things are perfect for their customers it gives me a real realisation that most people don’t actually know the work that is put in to make their experience great when they sit down for a drink or meal. It doesn’t just happen.

Same thing with good workouts. It isn’t just a case of turning up at a gym running through a few reps and leaving looking a fitness model. Thinking about it, below are some of the most important aspects of a good workout that are often overlooked.

Right Gear: You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve been told someone can’t make a session “because they forgot their runners/shorts/top“. Making sure that you have all the right gear packed is an obvious first thing to check.

Pre Workout Nutrition: Something easy to digest which won’t give you a stitch and actually help you with your energy levels is important here. I like things like an apple with Almond butter or some cashews with coffee. Also I tend to work well eating 60 to 90 minutes pre workout. Some like food closer or further away pre workout but make sure it isn’t something that will hamper your progress.

Mind-set: Do you go in thinking of the progress you’re about to make and maybe think of your goals before the session, driving yourself to hit them in the process? Or do you have an argument in your head with your trainer on the way, putting a dampener on the session and results you’ll get from it. Arnold Schwarzenegger used to visualise his biceps like mountain peaks during his workouts. You may not want to get physical results like his but it is definitely worth learning from his success.

The Workout Structure: Do you know what you’re going to be doing when you hit the gym or do you attend a class that is compatible with your goals. Too often people go to the gym aimlessly and just hop on whatever machine is free. Random workouts will get you random results. You need to make sure that there is a balanced structure there including (broken down depending on your goals) flexibility and mobility, resistance, conditioning and recovery.

Obviously post workout is important and your recovery needs to be good. So that means getting plenty of quality hydration, making sure that you get good quality protein into your system and things like sleep and relaxation.