Planet Fitness- Austin

Static vs. Dynamic Stretching: What's the Difference?

Stretching before your workout is just as important to your fitness routine as the workout itself. Stretching helps to prepare your muscles for movement and lengthens them for improved mobility and range of motion. There are two types of stretching, dynamic and static, and each can be used to enhance your workout in different ways.

Static Stretching

Static stretching is what most people think of when they hear the word “stretching.” Static stretching refers to the act of stretching your muscles to a comfortable limit and then holding the position for twenty to thirty seconds. A common example of this would be reaching for your toes or interlocking your fingers and pressing outward with your arms.

Dynamic Stretching

Dynamic stretching prepares your body for movement by “warming up” the muscles through action and exercises. There is no holding and counting in dynamic stretching; rather, you go through a range of motions while remaining active to prepare your body to move properly during your workout. Examples of dynamic stretching include rotating your wrists and ankles, performing shoulder circles, or swinging your arms and legs.

Which is Better?

Both static and dynamic stretching are important for overall fitness, but recent studies have suggested that dynamic stretching may be more effective than static stretching at warming up your muscles and preventing injury before a workout. Static stretching helps to elongate the muscles and improve range of motion, and is best used in a post-workout setting to cool down your body after activity; this helps to create a longer, leaner body that is not hunched over or unable to perform certain movements.

Make the most of your workout today with a membership at Planet Fitness Austin. At our convenient Riverside and Oak Hill locations, Planet Fitness provides a comfortable, friendly place to exercise where all members can feel accepted and respected. Call us today at (512) 282-0003 for more information.

The First Steps to Fitness: Resources for Further Reading

Choosing the right workout plan for your schedule and goals is the first step towards keeping you motivated and committed to your fitness. At Planet Fitness, our job is to help you through every step of that process, from designing the right routine to encouraging you to reach your goals. To learn more, contact Planet Fitness today and read more in the resources below.

• If you want extra guidance and personal encouragement when it comes to working out, consider working with a personal trainer. Learn more about the benefits of a personal trainer with this exercise guide from WebMD.
• Finding a workout program you enjoy and look forward to will keep you motivated and on track towards reaching your fitness goals. Use this workout program guide to help you start designing a routine that works for you.
• When it comes to your health, your time away from the gym can be just as important as your time in it. Balance your exercise with a healthy diet inspired by this article from Fitness Magazine.

For more fitness tips, contact the team here at Planet Fitness Austin today! Planet Fitness provides a comfortable, friendly place to exercise where all members can feel accepted and respected. Call us today at (512) 282-0003 for more information.

The Top 8.3 Reasons to Join Planet Fitness

At Planet Fitness, we’re lucky that our members have plenty of things to rave about when it comes to their gym experience. To help you learn more about everything that we offer, we’ve put together the Top 8.3 countdown of reasons to join Planet Fitness. From the friendly staff to the free training, hear more reasons why our members are telling all of their friends about us!

Planet Fitness provides a comfortable, friendly place to exercise where all members can feel accepted and respected. In addition to the commitment-free membership policy, our fitness centers also feature judgment free zones where members can work out without feeling self-conscious. And with our black card, guests can bring a friend with them every time they work out! To fuel up after a hard workout, enjoy complimentary snacks like pizza, bagels and our much-loved tootsie rolls.

To learn more about what makes Planet Fitness different from every other gym, stop by one of our Austin locations today! You can also learn more by visiting us online or calling today at (512) 282-0003.

What Can a Personal Trainer Do for You?

If you have been considering hiring a personal trainer, you may be wondering what sort of benefits he or she can bring to your fitness routine. The short answer is that a personal trainer can provide the tools, training, and support necessary to help you realize your fitness goals. Here are four ways that a personal trainer can amplify your exercise routine and get you on the path toward physical fitness:

1. Helps You Get Started: A trainer can help each client come up with a personal workout plan to meet his or her desired goals. Whether it is losing weight or increasing strength and flexibility, goals can be targeted and gradually achieved more efficiently with the assistance of a professional.
2. Teaches Technique and Form: Many gym-goers learn improper technique by watching others use equipment and mimicking their form. A personal trainer can show you the correct way to use machines, helping you become more fit while also preventing injury.
3. Makes Routines More Effective:  Several studies have shown that individuals who use a personal trainer are more likely to stick to their exercise routine than those who don’t. Some attribute this to a feeling of accountability or simply a desire to get the most out of their extra dollars spent on a trainer. Regardless, trainers provide motivation and encourage efficiency.
4. Gets Kids Active: Teens can also benefit from a personal trainer. Many physical education programs in schools have been cut, leaving students in need of exercise. A personal trainer can be the perfect solution to help keep your child active and fit.

If you’re looking for a workout instructor to help you get fit and increase your stamina in a safe and healthy way, contact Planet Fitness in Austin about our certified professional trainers. Planet Fitness provides a comfortable, friendly place to exercise where all members can feel accepted and respected. Call us today at (512) 282-0003 for more information.

Choosing a Workout Plan that is Best for You

Choosing the best workout plan for your personal needs and fitness goals doesn’t have to be a difficult process. By asking yourself what you need and what your body is capable of, you can find the right workout routine to begin at your local fitness center. Here are a few tips on how to choose a workout type that best suits you:

1. Ask Yourself about Your Goals: Depending on what your personal health and fitness objectives are, different workout types will be more or less suitable for those goals. Speak with someone at your health club to learn about the benefits of cardio, weight training, and other workout options with specific targets.
2. Choose Something You Will Enjoy Doing: One of the most important factors dictating your fitness success is how often you will actually exercise. Choosing a fitness routine that you enjoy and will look forward to doing a few times a week will help you stick with your goals. This will increase your motivation and commitment to getting in shape and staying fit.
3. Consider a More Social Workout: While some people prefer working out alone, others enjoy group exercise. For those who like a more social workout, fitness classes or training groups are a great option. Those who prefer alone time can consult a trainer at their gym for tips on how to get the most out of their solo routines.
4. After Choosing, Stay Motivated: After setting a goal and choosing the right workout type, stay focused. If the goal will take time to achieve, work at it slowly and gradually. If the goal seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller steps and reward yourself for completing each task along the way.

At Planet Fitness in Austin, our members can engage in numerous training programs to target all parts of the body and meet the requirements of any exercise goal. Planet Fitness provides a comfortable, friendly place to exercise where all members can feel accepted and respected. Call us today at (512) 282-0003 for more information.