While exercising isn't complicated, it's very easy to make mistakes. Often times the mistakes are made because of lack of proper technique training or simply due to rushing to get the workout completed. Regardless of the reason for the mistakes, they can lead to injuries or at the very least be counter-productive to your fitness goals.
Of course it's important to know specifically what to do to be successful at meeting your health and fitness goals but it is also crucial to understand what not to do. So take note of the following common mistakes and how to avoid them. These tips will help ensure your workout time is effective and help prevent injuries.
Too Much, Too Soon
Many new exercisers try to lose weight or tone up too quickly, by exercising too frequently or trying exercise programs that are too difficult for their fitness level. Be sure to start with an exercise plan that takes your current fitness regimen (or lack of) into account.
Pie In The Sky Goals
Despite what many advertisers would like you to believe, it's unrealistic to think you can lose 30 pounds in 30 days or that you can have Hollywood abs simply by doing 10 minutes of crunches a day. It's good to set goals but be sure they aren't too aggressive and realize it's okay to periodically re-define them.
Ignoring Expert Advice
It's always advisable to consult your physician before starting an exercise program. Working with a fitness professional is also a good idea so you can learn proper technique, the latest fitness information and learn how to avoid injuries.
Over-Exercising
If you start to feel overwhelmed, neglect important daily activities in order to workout or repeatedly get injured, then it might be due to exercising too frequently. Realize the importance of balance and that more is not always better. Consider reducing the frequency of your workouts or the intensity of some of them and periodically resting for a few days or a week.
Improper Breathing
Sure, breathing is an involuntary bodily function; something that most individuals tend to ignore. But, breathing correctly during fitness sessions is very important. Incorrect breathing can lead to lack of oxygen and even faintness. When working out ensure that you don't breathe too shallowly and try to breathe through the nose and out the mouth.
Selecting The Wrong Size
Choosing the proper weight size when strength training is trickier then it sounds. Lifting weights that are too heavy for you can lead to improper form and ultimately to injuries. Use weights that are too light and the exercise session can be ineffective. If possible consult a fitness trainer to determine the correct amount of weight for your size, strength and goals. A trainer can also help you develop a plan for safely progressing forward on weight sizes.
Not Staying Hydrated
Drinking enough water on a daily basis is important. When you exercise you need to consume even more water. You should drink 16 ounces for every hour of exercise you complete. Plus you should try to consume 1-2 cups of water about 30 minutes before you begin working out.
Eating Too Little
No, that's not a typo. Not eating enough can be as detrimental as eating too much. When the body is not fed consistently, it goes into a starvation mode. Five to six smaller meals evenly spaced throughout the day helps keep the metabolism running smoothly. Just be sure to control portion size.
Hanging Out Instead Of Working Out
Just showing up at the gym is not going to help you get more fit. Socializing while leaning on a weight machine won't build muscles. It's important to enjoy your exercise time but make sure that the focus remains on physical activity.
Fixating On The Scale
If you think the scale doesn't lie, consider this. Many professional athletes would be considered obese based on their weight alone. Look at the bigger and more relevant picture. Monitor your body fat percentage, if possible. Otherwise track measurements. Also don't underestimate the importance of improved physical and mental well-being.
About The Author
Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer specializing in Internet-based fitness programs. She founded Workouts For You, which provides affordable online exercise programs that are custom designed for each individual. Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com for a free sample workout and to sign-up for their monthly fitness newsletter. Fitness professionals take your business online, visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com
tidy up service Northbrook ..With this key, I GUARANTEE YOU WILL LOSE ALL THE... Read More
While it would be ideal to make all of our... Read More
What a great world we live in. You want something,... Read More
The weight loss protein debate centers around the effectiveness of... Read More
Staying Toned After Weight Loss ---------------------------------------- Following significant weight loss,... Read More
In our never ending search for the illusive "Fountain of... Read More
Some of you will not like what I have to... Read More
You know you have will-power. You can change a diaper... Read More
Looking to lose weight quickly? The good news is that... Read More
To say that dieting rarely leads to sustainable weight loss... Read More
1. Start Exercising first thing in the morning.As soon as... Read More
Some of you will not like what I have to... Read More
Here are some everyday, helpful hints to get you started,... Read More
Serious diet pills are intended for people who are overweight... Read More
Is a weight loss workout routine right for you? Answer... Read More
As much as many of us who are over-weight do... Read More
Yesterday evening my computer hard drive crashed. Resulting in the... Read More
All of the things we tell sick people so that... Read More
It's now official. The simple act of fidgeting can mean... Read More
If you knew when you were going to die, would... Read More
I am so grateful that you're taking steps to take... Read More
Ever heard of the expression, "Getting up on the wrong... Read More
AND SAVE MONEY IN THE PROCESS. The secret is simple... Read More
It's definitely no fun to lose weight -- put it... Read More
I never intended to get fat! I am not exactly... Read More
reliable home cleaners Buffalo Grove ..Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat.... Read More
Twenty years of health club consulting, 50,000 hours of paid... Read More
With weight loss comes a lot of dedication and change... Read More
The South Beach Diet works, for most people. Its low... Read More
If you've been pursuing a lighter, healthier version of yourself,... Read More
Both men and women around the world are becoming fatter... Read More
According to the American Obesity Association, an astounding 64.5 percent... Read More
Yes, you must be aware of the following 7 points... Read More
First of all we need to find out a reason... Read More
The Sour Truth -------------------------- Question: I had a baby 6... Read More
If your low carb diet is going nowhere, maybe its... Read More
Students today are faced with the serious reality of unwanted... Read More
Is a weight loss workout routine right for you? Answer... Read More
The Dr Atkins Diet has been around for ages, but... Read More
The very first thing you want to do before you... Read More
Compulsive eating is characterized mainly by periods of impulsive bingeing... Read More
The world today has more obese and overweight people than... Read More
Are you committed to losing weight and keeping it off?... Read More
So many people are talking about how slow their metabolism... Read More
This is the second article in the series, Weight Loss... Read More
I don't know about you, but I absolutely love bread... Read More
Obesity is a disease that is not caused by a... Read More
Weight Loss and Water: A Way to Make Your Body... Read More
Have you ever worried about something so much it paralyzed... Read More
Yes Virginia, the fail-safe weight loss formula exists.It's so simple,... Read More
Weight Loss |