| Avoid Common Fitness
Pitfalls
by Lynn Bode
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.
Keywords: exercise, diet, fitness, workout,
lose weight,
About the Author
Lynn Bode,
info@workoutsforyou.com
http://www.workoutsforyou.com
Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer specializing in
Internet-based fitness programs. She founded Workouts For
You, which provides affordable online exercise programs. Visit:
http://www.workoutsforyou.com for a free sample workout. Fitness
professionals improve your business, visit: http://www.trainerforce.com
|
