MAXimize Your Workouts: 8 Game-Changing Tips From Trainer Max
If you’ve ever stepped into a Litesport session with Trainer Max Karp, you already know—this Jersey boy turned NYC fitness pro brings more than just sweat to the table. He’s got heart, hustle, and just a hint of Bieber fever (okay, maybe more than a hint). But behind the playlists and punch combos is a trainer who’s been through it all: Division I college baseball, injuries, tough times, triathlon training, and more.
For Max, fitness isn’t just about reps and rounds—it’s about resilience. It’s about showing up for yourself, finding joy in the grind, and building mental toughness along with physical strength. Whether he’s leading a high-energy Boxing session, pushing you through Total Body, or guiding you in Strength mode, Max’s mission is simple: make you smile, make you sweat, and help you discover just how strong you really are.
So, how does Max keep his community motivated and moving? We asked him to drop his top tips to help you MAXimize not just every Litesport workout, but your mindset, motivation, and every day in between.
Here’s what he said…
1. Lead with PMA: Positive Mental Attitude
Max’s golden rule? Keep it simple, keep it positive.
“My training style is very straightforward but with major emphasis on PMA—positive mental attitude! My style and goal are to create an environment where people can be successful and celebrate the good rather than fret over the bad. I’m all for simplicity and efficiency. Let’s get in, let’s work hard, and let’s have a great damn time.”
Yes, working out can be challenging, especially with Trainer Max pushing you to give it your all. But according to Max, your workouts should never feel discouraging or negative. It’s all about finding an environment where you can achieve success and celebrate your wins, rather than dwelling on your misses.
So when in doubt, channel that PMA, throw on some Bieber, and let’s get to work!
2. Consistency Is Your Secret Weapon
Success isn’t about going all-out once; it’s about showing up again and again. Here’s how Max suggests building consistency into your routine:
Make a plan: Schedule your workouts like you would important meetings. If you schedule them for the same time each day or every week, it’ll feel like it’s part of your routine, not an addition to the routine.
Be realistic: Don’t overcommit! If three sessions a week is your sweet spot, own it. Set yourself up for success by allowing yourself to exceed your own expectations.
Be intentional: Whether it’s 5 minutes or 45, move with intent and perform with purpose.
Consistency builds confidence—and results!
3. There’s Always Tomorrow
Aim for consistency as much as possible, but also remember to give yourself some grace. Life happens, whether it’s a crazy workday, low energy, or just one of those days. Max reminds us that it’s not about being perfect every time—it’s about keeping momentum.
“Take what your body is willing to give on the day, and remember that what you can’t do today, there’s always tomorrow.”
Max would argue that Litesport is a journey, not a sprint. And we’d agree! Missed a session? Shook off a tough day? You’re still in the game. Progress isn’t lost on a single off-day; it’s lost when we give up entirely. Stay flexible, stay kind to yourself, and know that tomorrow is another chance to show up and shine.
4. Fuel Like a Champion
You wouldn’t try to drive a car on empty, so why push your body without the right fuel? Max knows that what you do outside of your workouts is just as important as what you do in them. After all, you can’t out-train poor nutrition.
“Don’t forget to eat whole foods, properly fuel your workouts, and nail that post-workout recovery.”
It starts with proper nutrition—think lean proteins, complex carbs, healthy fats, and plenty of water. But Max is quick to remind us that recovery is where the magic happens. That post-workout window isn’t just for selfies (though we love a good sweat pic), it’s your chance to refuel and repair.
Prioritize a balanced post-workout meal or snack to help your muscles rebuild stronger. And don’t forget: recovery isn’t just about food. Quality sleep, stretching, hydration, and even active recovery days (hello, light Total Body session or a walk outside) are essential to keep you performing at your best.
Max’s philosophy? Train hard, recover harder. Your body (and your future workouts!) will thank you for it.
5. Progress Over Perfection
Max will be the first to tell you that perfection? It’s overrated.
“No overtraining, less overthinking, and let’s stop striving for perfection.”
In a world where we’re bombarded with “perfect” reps, “perfect” bodies, and “perfect” routines, Max is here to remind you that real progress happens in the messy middle: the missed punches, the wobbly squats, the days you show up even when you didn’t feel like it.
So every time you throw on that headset, remember what Max is preaching: it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about being 1% better than yesterday, not 100% flawless.
Those small wins? They stack up. And guess what, nobody ever built strength, grit, or confidence overnight. They built it by showing up, embracing the imperfections, and pushing forward anyway. Let go of the pressure to "nail it" every time. Max’s advice is simple: move, grow, and have fun doing it. That’s where the real transformation happens—inside and out.
6. Make It YOUR Workout
One of the coolest things about Litesport? It’s built for you. Our best-in-class trainers, like Max, design these workouts with you in mind.
“Every time you put that headset on and jump into a workout, it’s going to be you and me, or one of our other incredible coaches, designing that workout—personalized for you, watching you every step of the way.”
Not only is the workout built for you, but you can also build your own personalized workout experience. Max encourages you to tweak, adjust, and own your workout. Want a 15-minute burner with your favorite artists? Or a full-body sweat session with Max in your corner? You’re in control.
From trainer to workout mode to music, you’ve got options. Learn more about how you can personalize your workouts on our blog.
7. Don’t Forget to Breathe
You crushed your workout: heart’s racing, muscles on fire, sweat dripping. But before you peel off that headset and collapse on the couch, Max has one more crucial step: breathe. It sounds basic, but intentional breathwork can make a huge difference in how your body recovers right after a tough session.
“After you finish, stand up tall and take a moment to breathe—let your blood flow, let your heart rate settle.”
Here’s Max’s go-to post-workout breathing technique:
Stand tall, especially if you’ve just been grinding it out on the floor with planks or push-ups. Give your body space to reset.
Deep inhale through your nose for four counts.
Hold that breath at the top for four counts.
Slowly, control your exhale out through your mouth for four counts.
Pause for four seconds before starting again.
Repeat this cycle a few times until your heart rate returns to a normal level.
This simple routine helps your breathing return to a resting level faster, calms your nervous system, and kickstarts recovery. It’s like hitting the "cool down" button for your body and mind.
And here’s the best part: the more you train, the quicker you’ll notice your heart rate and breath bounce back. It’s a sign of growing endurance and cardiovascular fitness. So don’t rush past this step—own it like a champ.
8. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
Last but not least, we’ll leave you with one of Max’s favorite tips: get comfortable being uncomfortable.
“I always say 'get comfortable being uncomfortable' because I truly believe that our perception and interpretation of things strongly affect how we react. If we approach every obstacle as an opportunity, we can better position ourselves to find success in everything we do.”
Whether you’re pushing through that final round or navigating life outside the ring, Max wants to leave you with this reminder: you’re stronger than you think. Lean into the discomfort. That’s where the wins live.
Light Up Your Fight With Litesport
Next time you step into a Litesport workout with Max (or any of our rockstar trainers), remember these tips. Keep your PMA high, stay consistent, fuel up, and don’t sweat perfection. Personalize your grind, breathe it out, and embrace every challenge that comes your way.
As Max always says: light up your fight and MAXimize your day!
Ready to put these tips into action? Let’s throw on that headset, fire up the fight, and crush your first week with our 7-day free trial. We’ll see you in the ring!
