Claire's Insights: What I Wish I Knew Sooner

There will always be moments where we look back and wish we had known certain things earlier, whether in life or in our health and fitness journey. But just like any journey, mastering training, effective movement, and reaching your goals requires patience and persistence.

Stepping into a gym for the first time can be daunting, with so many things fighting for your attention. Am I breathing correctly? Am I rushing too much? Is my form spot on? What rep was I on again?

But as time ticks on, our knowledge expands, our skills sharpen, and gradually, what once seemed overwhelming becomes second nature.

To make that journey a tad smoother, let me share with you the top 5 things Claire wishes she knew earlier when it comes to training.

Tempo Is Crucial

Pay attention to each rep! The pace at which you execute your reps influences the time your muscles spend under tension. A faster tempo often means lighter weights, focusing on endurance, while a slower tempo allows you to challenge yourself with heavier weights and maintain control.

By honing in on your tempo, you can up the ante in your training, ensure proper execution of each exercise, and ultimately, extract the maximum from your workout.

PRO TIP: Tempo simply refers to the speed at which you perform an exercise, and we provide recommended tempos for specific exercises in the H.E.A.T App.

Technique Is Everything

In the realm of exercise, technique reigns supreme! By prioritizing technique and executing movements correctly, you ensure that the stress is placed precisely on the muscles and joints targeted by the exercise. This not only helps in injury prevention but also ensures you reap the full benefits of the exercise.

For every exercise in the H.E.A.T App, we furnish you with visual and written tutorials. If you're unsure about a particular movement, take a moment to study the provided information before hitting the gym. You can even record yourself performing an exercise, with or without weights, to visually assess your form and make necessary adjustments.

Train with Purpose

It's not about quantity but quality—better training trumps more training any day.

You might be hitting the gym six days a week, but if you're not fully present in those sessions, you might be better off with four focused workouts rather than six half-hearted ones.

Time & Consistency Are Key

Little by little, a little adds up to a lot.

Claire's mantra? "You are what you consistently do, not what you do occasionally." Stop fretting over that extra indulgent meal or the missed workout.

People often misconstrue health and fitness, thinking it has to dominate their lives, when in reality, it should complement it. Life is meant to be enjoyed, so don't sweat the small stuff.

Find a training style you love, eat to nourish your body, and show up consistently. Trust me, if you stay committed and chip away persistently, you'll be astounded by what you can achieve—physically and mentally.

Recovery Is Non-Negotiable

Recovery isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for progress. While we often prioritize optimizing our training sessions, recovery is equally—if not more—important.

Exercise is a stressor, so allowing your body ample time to adapt and recuperate post-workout is crucial. This means focusing on replenishing energy, repairing cells, and rebuilding muscle tissue.

When you prioritize rest, you'll reap the rewards with sustained progress and consistently high energy levels. So, don't overlook or feel guilty about taking rest days—they're essential.

Remember, progress takes time, and your journey is ever-evolving. Slow down, savor the process, and enjoy every step of the way.