When it comes to fitness I’m all about quality over quantity. So I’ve created a video to talk about some of the most common exercise mistakes people make. You may not even realize you are doing some of these and you could be mindlessly taking away all the effort you are putting in. So check these out.
GETTING DISTRACTED
So you’re at the gym and ready to workout. Now’s the time to clear your mind and focus on what you’re doing. Trust me, your email, messages and social media can wait. You made the effort to show up, make it a good session. And watch out for overly socializing. I know it’s tempting to be chatty with your gym buddies, but did you know that the average gym goer spends more time socializing at the gym than actually working out? Put on your headphones, get in the zone and tune out all distractions. Make it count.
DOING THE SAME EXERCISE OVER AND OVER
One of the most common mistakes I see is people doing the same exercises over and over. After a while, your body will stop responding and you will no longer see results. Mixing it up is a great way to shock your body into change. Try switching up your routine every few weeks and I promise you’ll notice a big difference in how you feel and what you look like.
SAYING I’LL WORK OUT WHEN I HAVE TIME
Finding time to exercise is the same as finding time to do anything else in your life. It won’t happen unless you make it a priority. I know this is easier said than done, but if you are serious about getting fit, you need to schedule time in your day just like any other work or family responsibility. I plan my workouts on Sunday for the week so I know exactly what time each day I can make it to the gym. Of course, life happens and sometimes that doesn’t always go as planned, but it’s a great start.
POOR FORM
Poor form. This is a big one. Not having correct form makes it easy to injure yourself and you’re not going to see the results you want. If you are not certain how to do an exercise, read up on it, ask a trainer, or even watch someone who looks like they know what they are doing. This is how I have learned so much over the years. There is plenty of information out there. Take advantage of it.
NOT FUELING UP POST WORKOUT
Don’t miss out on your post-workout fueling opportunity. Now’s the time to make the most of your training. Your post workout meal should contain both fast-digesting carbs and protein. This will prevent your body from using its own muscle tissue for energy and help encourage muscle synthesis.
FOCUSING ONLY ON APPEARANCES
Here’s a mistake I think we’ve all been guilty of at one time or another, focusing our training program on aesthetics. Of course, who doesn’t want to look good in a swimsuit, but the truth is, our workouts should be dedicated to OVERALL fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and conditioning AND strength training. If we incorporate all of these aspects, not only will be accomplish our aesthetic goals, but we will also feel great!
ONLY GOING HEAVY OR LIGHT
Just like switching up the TYPES of exercises you do, it’s also important to switch up your REP scheme. You should not ALWAYS be doing heavy weights with fewer reps OR light weights with MORE reps. Switch up your routine by alternating heavy lifting days with lighter burn-out days. This will help you build muscle AND get definition. It’s a perfect combination
OVERTRAINING
We all feel guilty when we miss the gym, but sometimes this is a GOOD thing. Set a schedule that includes active workout days AND rest days. Your body needs a chance to regenerate and recoup. If it doesn’t have this downtime, your muscle fibers will not have a chance to heal and you may not only injure yourself, but it will prevent you from seeing the results you want. A good training schedule can be three days on, one day off. If you MUST be active every day, then use your rest days to do something lower profile like a long walk or hot yoga class.
STICKING TO ONLY ONE FORM OF CARDIO
Here’s a tip, doing the same form of cardio all the time will not help you lose the weight you want, like running on the treadmill for 40 minutes a day for five years. Be adventurous and try different forms of cardio and remember many of them can be really fun. Get outside, grab a partner and just get your body moving. You’ll be amazed at the difference…and then again there’s jump rope. Just saying.
FAILING IN NUTRITION
This is critical, abs are made in the kitchen. Exercise is a great start, but it is only ONE component of the OVERALL picture. Understanding nutrition will go a long way in helping you reach your fitness goals. Gather as much knowledge as you can and then see what works best for your body type and lifestyle.