5 Common Workout Mistakes
Get the most out of your workout by avoiding these common mistakes:
- Skipping out on a quality warm-up.
A proper warm-up up is one of the most essential parts of exercising. Warming up not only gives you a good sweat before a training session, but also raises your core body temperature and your heart rate. Research is showing that a dynamic warm-up is more beneficial than static stretches, especially before your workout.
- Doing too much too early.
When setting workout goals, make sure that they are attainable. Don’t be afraid to start out with a moderate intensity and build from that point. As you get more into your training, turn the intensity up, add more weight to the bar or add in another day of training. Following a planned program will definitely help prevent injury and over-training which can set your training back.
- Not following a proper diet.
I always tell my clients that you can’t out train a bad diet. The human body is a powerful machine, and it definitely needs the proper fuel both before and after a workout. Putting quality foods into your body is one way that you can definitely reach your goals.
- Using incorrect technique.
Quality over quantity is always going to be your best bet when it comes to working out whether it is strength training or running. When quality is diminished, injury rates often increase. Do not be afraid to ask for a spot in the gym if you need help or to slow down on your run.
- Focusing on single body parts not the whole body.
Focusing on single body parts can often be a good thing, but it has it’s time and place. The body works as a unit so don’t neglect other areas of your body. As movement expert Tom Myers says, “Muscles are only separate in photos in anatomy books.” Think movement, not muscles.