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
personalized cleaning services Des Plaines ..There are many subscriber programs available both online and in... Read More
Students today are faced with the serious reality of unwanted... Read More
What is the link between Hispanics and obesity? Are people... Read More
Almost everyone has attempted to follow diets and weight loss... Read More
While low-fat dieters and non-dieters may want to avoid chicken... Read More
Be Prepared. For the Boy Scouts it means you are... Read More
I wrote this article back in the late fall when... Read More
When considering that pathological eating disorders and their related diseases... Read More
At the beginning of December, WeightWatchers.com announced the release of... Read More
Everyone has their own individual reason for joining a health... Read More
Do you know anybody who does not wish to get... Read More
Think for a moment about the highest mountain you ever... Read More
Nowadays, so much of the public is obese (fat) that... Read More
Although all of the risks involved in gastric bypass surgery... Read More
"I'd love to lose weight, but I don't have the... Read More
Trash Your TV! is pleased to announce the easiest weight... Read More
Many critics in have attacked low carb diets for only... Read More
We all know that weight loss is important. We know... Read More
There are many books and internet articles written about weight... Read More
Have you ever stepped on the scale after a week... Read More
Any food that we take into our bodies is composed... Read More
Is this even possible?Well hold on to your seat because... Read More
Dieting Dilemma No 1: When Life Gets in the WayThat... Read More
Yes it's true- and so unfair. As we get older... Read More
Have you been on a new diet for a couple... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Arlington Heights ..A bad day or even a bad week is not... Read More
For the past 20 years, the American public has been... Read More
While it would be ideal to make all of our... Read More
Eating when under stress isn't just about filling an emotional... Read More
Let's face when it comes to overweight and obesity there... Read More
You may be considering weight loss surgery if you are... Read More
Exercise Physiologists who study the effects of exercise on weight... Read More
The fear of success arises in patients when they realize... Read More
Diet is a dreadful word for most of us because... Read More
What are the best fad diets? It's a question I'm... Read More
Exercising too hardThis is probably the most common mistake. As... Read More
I get asked all the time, "what do you think... Read More
In the early nineties I had the opportunity to work... Read More
There's a dirty little secret in the diet industry. The... Read More
For people that are obese, losing weight quickly can seem... Read More
Don't diet, just eat and lose weight!First, the following "diet"... Read More
1. Increase your fiber intake. The body needs a lot... Read More
Are you a 'look-and-lose' dieter? Have you studied every diet... Read More
There are certain eating habits that can make you gain... Read More
1. Drink plenty of water. Our body needs a lot... Read More
I really like Dr. Phil, so I wanted to like... Read More
After patients have had gastric bypass surgery comes a very... Read More
Losing weight doesn't have to be boring when you focus... Read More
With the rise of obesity and the increasing incidence of... Read More
There's nothing more fun then being creative with food and... Read More
Weight Loss |