5 tips for mastering your training regime

Perhaps you've committed to going to the gym regularly, planned to up your exercise regime, or even challenged yourself to join in a fun run or half marathon. Whatever your goal, check out the tips below to make the most of your training regime this year.

1. Get tough mentally

Training your brain to overcome mental obstacles is just as important as training your body to overcome physical ones. To improve mental toughness, you need to get to know the voice inside your head, notice when it talks and what it says.

'I try to fit five minutes into my schedule every day to be with my thoughts. This allows me to tune into the messages my brain is sending to my body', says Mitch. Without this awareness, your thoughts and feelings can linger and interfere with your reality.

'I aim to maintain a clear and focused mind during my training. Once you get in the habit of doing this it becomes easier to carry this practice into different aspects of your daily routine. I treat my training like a meditation,' Mitch continues.

2. Set a routine

Mitch says routine is the most effective way to make a lifestyle change stick. If you've decided to start or get back into a training regime, make a habit of doing the same activities, on the same days, at the same times! This may be a run, a swim or a yoga class.

The routine will give you a chance to be organised, and after 2-3 weeks you'll be much more efficient with your training days. Be patient and expect to maintain this routine for at least a month before you get too clever and make your training longer and harder.

3. Build your team

Reluctant to train with others? Many people think that they need to be at a certain level before they can train in a group.

Bear in mind, many people feel that way, but teaming up will make your training more enjoyable plus you will be more accountable for when you train and what you do. The social side of sport has so much reward, and training with others will likely help to quieten the voice that says, 'I can't'.

4. Race to the finish line

There's nothing like committing to a race to get you motivated to train. Triathlon or marathon training can be a lot of fun and the exercise is benefit enough. If you can get yourself to a race you won't be disappointed. There is something special about strapping on a timing chip and taking on the clock. Racing provides a buzz and always gives you a story to tell.

Choosing to do a race will keep the drive there in training and is a great way to get you out of bed when you just don't want to.

5. Find supplements to support your efforts

If you want to perform at your best, it's important to make sure that your nutritional status is at its best too.

'Magnesium helps with improving exercise performance, supporting physical endurance and relieving mild muscle cramps if you aren't getting enough from your diet.I commonly recommend magnesium glycinate to support healthy muscle function,' says Mitch.

'Magnesium can also help to maintain electrolyte balance after exercise as it compensates for magnesium loss from sweating.'

For a tailored supplement regime seek professional advice from a trusted brand, such as Fusion Health, which will ensure you're getting the best results.

Mitch Kibby is a paid brand ambassador for Fusion Health and is the co-founder and director of i4 Coaching, which teaches triathlon training principles and techniques used by the world's best athletes. It doesn't matter what your training of choice is, you can learn from Mitch's holistic training philosophy.