If you are going to exercise or do a boot camp class at a local gym, such as Mack's Hybrid Fitness LLC, then having good technique is imperative if you want the best results. Just follow these 3 tips, and you will get the most out of your workouts.

Proper Core Tightening Technique

First, you need to make sure that your core is properly tightened at all times. If your core is loose, you will not work your abs, sides, or even part of your back. Also, your core needs to be tight so that you have greater balance and stability and you are doing a boot camp class.

To tighten your core properly, bring your naval in toward your spine first. When you get to this point, know that this is not considered tightening and will do nothing unless you follow through to the next step. With your belly button in, contract your abs by flexing. You should instantly feel all of your abs and back firm up, and you will have a more stable core and a protected back.

When you do this, you will not be able to breathe from your stomach as much as you might usually do. Let your lungs do the work while your abs stay tight, and this will allow you to maximize your ab workout during boot camp or any other cardio workout.

Bent Knees

Second, keep your knees bent even when you are doing kicks during your class. If you extend your knees all the way, you will risk over extending and hurting them. Instead, keep your knees slightly bent when you stand, jog, run in place, or do kicks. You do not need to keep them bent a lot, but just a little will protect them from injury.

Before you start your workout class, practice doing some kicks and stances with your knees bent so that you know what it should feel like. This will allow you to focus on keeping up with the instructor when the class actually starts.

Deep Breathing

Lastly, breathe deeply when you work out so that lactic acid does not build up in your muscles. If oxygen is continuously pumping to your muscles through deep and steady breathing, then your muscles will not tighten up, cramp, or get as sore.

To breathe deeply, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. You will have to stay controlled so that your breathing does not become sporadic too.

By doing these 3 things, you can have an excellent workout with maximized results whether you are doing boot camp or another intense cardio class.