10 Hacks to Improve your Gym Workout

Okay - I have precisely 5 minutes before the school run, but as an avid gym-bunny and having 30 years of advice from top trainers etc here's a few tips I've picked up on the way.

Always use an incline of at least 1% when on the treadmill, this mimics the pavement - 0% is in effect the equivalent of downhill.

If you're bored keep it varied. Try 2 minutes on treadmill, hit pause, squat for a minute then get back on treadmill - repeat 5 times.

Cross trainer/Elliptical machine - always keep weight back on the heels, your heel shouldn't rise up as your rotate your legs.

Find the gym makes you ill? That's what the disinfectant spray is for - always wipe down equipment before and after use, to avoid getting colds and at worst (which I did), MRSA (although not saying it was from the gym!)

Try to find space in front of the mirror when doing free weights - it's important to keep a check on your posture.

That said, this is why many trainers despise Cross Fit, proper form and slow control is by far more beneficial, than rushed, heavy repetitions and will prevent injuries.

I use the spin bike regularly, a good playlist, imagination and closing my eyes can really help me imagine I'm competing and use clip ons - makes a huge difference to the muscles you use - aching hamstrings ouch!

Rowing, make sure you have the heel straps in the right place and as you pull back really focus on holding your core in.

Again when doing the plank or various body poses always try to find space in front of a mirror, where you can see yourself horizontal. This will prevent you from sagging and keeping your posture to form.

Step Machine - don't hold on - train yourself to use this great piece of equipment as you would naturally by using the stairs. By having your foot slightly off the step, you will naturally focus on using your glutes, quads and core to balance you. If need be bring the resistance down to make it easier until you're used to the balance.

Okay - I could probably write a book with a hundred more tips - but I have school run - ciao for now! Post your tips back to me!!!