HOW TO SLOW DOWN TO SPEED UP RESULTS.
In the fast-paced world of fitness, there’s often a prevailing belief that more is better—more reps, more intensity, more time, etc. However, embracing a slower, more deliberate approach to your workouts can paradoxically lead to faster, more sustainable results. Plus, this will help you to avoid burnout and actual ENJOY your workouts - what a concept, huh? ;) Let’s peel back the layers as to why slowing down might just be the key to speeding up your fitness progress, particularly through Pilates, strength training, and mindful movement.
The Power of Pilates: Precision Over Pace
Pilates is a perfect example of how slowing down can enhance your fitness outcomes. Unlike high-intensity workouts that prioritize speed and volume, Pilates emphasizes precision, control, and intentionality. Each movement is executed slowly and deliberately, with extreme focus on alignment and engagement. This mindful approach improves muscle activation and core strength all while reducing the risk of injury by ensuring that every movement is performed with form top of mind.
By incorporating slow, controlled Pilates movements into your routine, you can build a strong foundation that enhances your overall fitness and yields noticable physical change.
Strength Training: The Benefits of Intentional Movement
When it comes to strength training, slowing down can make a significant difference. Performing exercises with a slower tempo with true mind-to-muscle engagement allows you to fully engage and grow your muscular strength by eliminating momentum and swing. This intentionality maximizes muscle tension and, consequently, muscle growth.
Slowing down helps to develop a stronger mind-to-muscle connection so that you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your workout. Ultimately emphasizing the slow down to speed up, results that is. ;)
Working Out in the Heat
Exercising in hot conditions can be demanding on your body, making it crucial to adopt a slower pace. The heat increases your heart rate and perspiration, which can also aid in cardiovascular strength. By slowing down your movements, you allow your body to adapt more gradually, reduce the risk of overheating, and ensure that you’re exercising effectively.
Listening to your body and adjusting your intensity based on the temperature will not only help you stay safe but also make your workouts more effective in the long run.
Mind-to-Muscle Connection
Ok, so we get it, slower is better, but what is all this talk about the “mind-to-muscle” connection? GREAT QUESTION! Mind-to-muscle connection involves focusing on the muscle you are working on during an exercise. When you slow down the exercise, you achieve this connection by allowing your focus to be on muscle engagement and contraction. This heightened awareness ensures that you are activating the correct muscles and can lead to more effective and efficient workouts.
By paying attention to your body’s muscle activation, you improve both the quality and outcome of your workouts. This mindfulness enhances muscle engagement and leads to better, faster, and more tangible results.
Increased Metabolic Burn
Although it may seem counterintuitive, working out at a slower pace can actually increase your metabolic burn. Slow and controlled movements, particularly during strength training, lead to greater muscle activation and prolonged muscle tension. This can elevate your resting metabolic rate, as your body requires more energy to repair and build muscle tissue.
Additionally, slow and deliberate exercises can be more challenging, requiring greater effort and resulting in a higher calorie burn compared to fast-paced, less controlled movements. This increased metabolic burn contributes to more efficient fat loss and overall fitness progress.
SUM IT UP SIS
In an effort to not sound redundant, slowing down your workouts is the best way to speed up your results - it’s a strategy backed by science, driven by results. Whether you’re working out in the heat or aiming to refine your mind-to-muscle connection, embracing a slower pace can accelerate your progress and lead to more sustainable and effective results. So next time you take to a workout slow down, focus on controlled movements, and watch how you can enhance muscle engagement, improve technique, and boost your overall fitness results.
