Steve Ahern – Personal Trainer for musclefood.com ’s diet and fitness programme  Do The Unthinkable – shares three core things a personal trainer will concentrate on when at the gym, and encourages other gym-goers to follow their lead.

1. COMPOUND LIFTS

Compound lifts are strength exercises where you use more than one muscle group at the same time. Exercises such as squats, deadlifts, bent over rows and bench presses are great examples of these and help improve your strength. It means that you can save time when in the gym as you exercise more muscle groups in a smaller amount of time. 

2. MOBILITY

Mobility is key to everything you do when in a gym – and is something PTs can also neglect to train. Common mobility movements include yoga poses such as child’s pose, warrior pose and downward dog. Including these in your workout will help you lift heavier weight, avoid injuries and improve your general wellbeing when at the gym. 

3. FORM

Pay special attention to your form when completing any exercises, whether it be weight training or floor work. The basics include keeping your back straight and keeping abdominal muscles tight whilst lifting. It can be helpful to train with a partner who can keep an eye on your form, and vice versa, whilst you’re doing exercises.