You may have heard before that life begins at the edge of your comfort zone. This advice holds true for exercise. You don’t have to have a professional resume of fitness experience to begin a fresh exercise program. That said, there is a science to working out—and it’s not as simple as one may think right off the bat. Avoiding common workout mistakes allows you to reap the rewards of your efforts.
To help you along, we’ve compiled a list of the top things you are probably doing wrong during your workout. Never fear—here’s what to keep in mind during your next outdoor, gym, or home fitness session.
Fruitless Warm-Ups or Scatterbrained Stretching
Visualize your muscles and connective tissue as a rubber band. A cold rubber band will snap when someone pulls it. Conversely, a warmed-up rubber band will become far more agile and flexible for productive use. This metaphor showcases the significance of an effective warm-up. Snapping isn’t cool when it comes to your vital muscles, tendons, and ligaments. You can’t go out and get new ones.
The time and place to touch your toes and warm up your body are pre-workout. Be sure to focus on dynamic stretching instead of static stretching exercises. This active form of stretching stimulates blood flow and gets your muscle up and running. Prime examples include lunges or jumping jacks.
Not Having a Game Plan or Routine Strategy
Have you ever begun a speedy workout without a clear focus in mind? Been there, done that. Nevertheless, not having a goal or plan for the session is another of the main things you are probably doing wrong during your workout. Sometimes, getting to the gym or even putting on fitness clothes for a jog is half the battle. The other half of the fight is being responsible and creating a targeted game plan.
Those who desire to see progress shouldn’t just wing a routine—that’s when most problems arise. If you use equipment, understand how it works and how to make the most of it. Use the right form or the correct weight for your body type. Be consistent with your efforts and avoid wasting your time. Remember, the best exercise is done without pain and with full range and control.
Exercising Too Often or for Too Long
Some individuals have the opposite issue: excessive exercise. When you overtrain by working out too often or for too long, your body doesn’t have enough time to heal. Avoid overlooking the importance of recovery to help you achieve optimal results. Most growth occurs during rest days. Make use of therapeutic mobility tools to free up tension or blockages from strains and injuries.
The main objective is to chase performance over soreness. You can consult with an expert for support in reaching your unique fitness level without intense pain or risk of injury. With patience and persistence, progress awaits.
