It turns out that when it comes to our daily workout – we’ve been doing it all wrong!

Okay, not entirely wrong. But modern science has countered some long-held ideas about the best way to exercise – and get the most out of your workouts.

Let’s take a look at a few of the new rules.

1. Eating before your workout isn’t a bad idea!

Go ahead and enjoy a 150-calorie mini-meal or healthy snack about one hour before your workout. The latest research in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that exercisers who ate breakfast before treadmilling for a half-hour or so had a significantly higher fat-burning rate compared with those who ate post-workout, even though both groups consumed the same number of calories during the day.

2. Workout buddies are overrated.

Teaming up to get fit has a long tradition of – let’s face it – mixed results. Research from Santa Clara University found that, depending on your partner, you may actually exercise harder when you fly solo.

The key – and it’s tougher to do than it sounds – is to find a partner whose goals match yours, or exceed them.

3. Workouts don’t just happen in the gym any more.

Fitness professionals will certainly still encourage us all to dedicate a little time each day to a structured, carefully executed exercise plan. That being said, those same experts are also encouraging us to think about the physical activity we perform on a daily basis when we’re not at the gym or on our treadmill at home.

Choose the stairs over the elevator, opt to walk to lunch instead of driving, offer to help the courier lift a box or two when he or she makes their daily delivery.

All of these choices and so many more throughout your day can make a difference in your bottom line.

4. Less may in fact be more in terms of running shoes.

Have you seen those running shoes with toes? They may be growing in popularity with very good reason.

After years of conventional wisdom suggesting that highly-cushioned running shoes provided a better and safer experience, modern research suggests that may not always be the case.

Research conducted by the Spaulding National Running Center at the Harvard Medical School suggests that excess cushioning can encourage runners to strike with their heel first before pushing off the forefoot — a motion that creates a lot more impact on the joints.

What impact do these “new rules” have on you? If you’re ready to discuss a customized exercise plan designed to make you feel and look better, call Mediplan and schedule a consultation. We’re ready to help you make a commitment to lose the weight and get healthy.