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
one time home cleaning Highland Park ..The general approach for treatment of obesity is to suggest... Read More
Self-acceptance and body love can be tough concepts to grasp... Read More
What does it take to lose weight?When it comes to... Read More
It seems there are two schools of behavior patients follow... Read More
In many cases conventional dieting wisdom simply doesn't work for... Read More
If only there were a 'better body boot camp', we'd... Read More
A number of popular diets are focused on carbohydrates. Some... Read More
Now that the temptations of the Holiday season have passed... Read More
Twenty years ago, I did not expect to accomplish what... Read More
Food cravings are crafty -- they appear from nowhere and... Read More
The difference between weight loss, and steady or weight gain,... Read More
What is the link between Hispanics and obesity? Are people... Read More
Weight Loss is something that many Americans struggle with. In... Read More
Getting enough of the good fats will help you lose... Read More
Every Journey Worth Taking Begins with a Single StepHere are... Read More
Are you frustrated with your weight problem and don't know... Read More
Going away for your holidays will also bring with it... Read More
As a Master swimmer I am made painfully aware, each... Read More
It happens every morning when you mosey out of bed,... Read More
I'm sure you already know that weight loss and improved... Read More
Low self-esteem produces a game of control. It causes a... Read More
Individuals who are interested in bariatric surgery need to be... Read More
While the gastric bypass may seem like the perfect solution... Read More
More likely than not a diet with end up a... Read More
My name is Greg Ryan. I am a best selling... Read More
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..One of the most talked about topics in any political... Read More
Losing weight is a tough and demanding task for most... Read More
Watching television exercises our eyes but nothing else. Unfortunately, it... Read More
Do you tend to find your weight increases when you... Read More
Developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, The South Beach Diet touts... Read More
If you've been enjoying life after gastric bypass surgery you... Read More
Just because you're working hard, doesn't mean that you're working... Read More
"I never saw it coming, how did I get so... Read More
A distorted body image is one of the symptoms that... Read More
Eighteen or twenty years ago, I was into high protein,... Read More
The human body is designed to run best on a... Read More
With the rise of obesity and the increasing incidence of... Read More
If you are among the millions of people searching for... Read More
Do you want to lose weight fast? While there is... Read More
These days, most everyone has heard of low carb diets... Read More
Body Mass Index (bmi) A Misleading measure of ObesityMany professionals... Read More
As many of us know, it's the first few days... Read More
You step on the scale and groan at the number... Read More
I don't know about you, but I absolutely love bread... Read More
If you're a low carb diet enthusiast, you've probably tried... Read More
I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. You're... Read More
If you are overweight and searching for the diet program... Read More
Actually, I was reading about fad diet and suddenly I... Read More
I do not smoke, never have, and admit to being... Read More
If you are looking for a way to lose fifteen... Read More
Weight Loss |