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
efficient cleaning crew Lake Forest ..I get asked all the time, "what do you think... Read More
For people that are obese, losing weight quickly can seem... Read More
Everyone is looking for the secret to losing weight. Everyone... Read More
The market is flooded with weight loss supplements that make... Read More
Although every dieter knows that keeping food records is a... Read More
It is much safer to your long term health to... Read More
Trash Your TV! is pleased to announce the easiest weight... Read More
Its crowded..really crowded..every other site offers Weight Loss Programs and... Read More
False campaignsMore than 50 percent of Americans and Canadians are... Read More
"How do I lose 5 kg or 30 kg?""How do... Read More
Sometimes, just the thought of starting on a diet and... Read More
We in the diet and exercise industry have our own... Read More
Good health is all too easily taken for granted until... Read More
Every day, it seems, a new study pertaining to weight... Read More
Doctor, Why Can't I Loose Weight and by the... Read More
Most people who want to burn off some excess pounds... Read More
To say that Americans are obsessed with dieting is an... Read More
Although many patients have few problems after bariatric surgery, there... Read More
Have you ever wished for a diet where you ate... Read More
You've heard the popular advice on weight loss diets. Cut... Read More
Some of you will not like what I'm going to... Read More
If you want to reduce your body fat, focus on... Read More
I would like to introduce you to an incredible new... Read More
Much has been written about obesity and globesity. Obesity is... Read More
America is in a health care crisis. More than 60... Read More
green cleaning service Deerfield ..It can be intimidating to follow a weight loss plan,... Read More
Your Can Turn Fat into Muscle......Fact or Fiction???Completely False!!!!First of... Read More
Do you want to lose weight? Of course you do,... Read More
These treadmill weight loss tips are a great way to... Read More
Like millions of men and women, I started resolving to... Read More
Have you been on a new diet for a couple... Read More
Getting to the ROOT of the matter: If the plants... Read More
Atkins diet was unknown 35 years ago. Though it seems... Read More
Tip 1) DRINK A GLASS OF WATER AFTER EACH SNACKThis... Read More
Twenty years of health club consulting, 50,000 hours of paid... Read More
Maybe your doctor suggested it. Maybe your favorite outfit doesn't... Read More
If you know someone that has been trying to lose... Read More
I have tried many "diets" here in the USA and... Read More
Here are some everyday, helpful hints to get you started,... Read More
You may not like what I'm about to say, but... Read More
One of the biggest scams ever successfully pulled on the... Read More
I know a lot of people out there would like... Read More
For many years, the experts, including our government have been... Read More
Who'd have thought healthy eating could be so controversial? Lunching... Read More
The Liver The function of your kidneys is to filter... Read More
Whenever I hear someone say they just can't lose weight,... Read More
There are several ways to manage cravings. You can: ... Read More
I clearly remember how much I loathed having my picture... Read More
We, as a society, are always trying to lose weight.... Read More
If you have been trying to lose weight permanently, then... Read More
Weight Loss |