subject: Ate You Making These Mistakes? [print this page] Take a walk through any gym, and you'll notice many mistakes. Some are dangerous, some are just plain thoughtless. Maybe you even make a few of these mistakes yourself.
By avoiding these common blunders, you'll put yourself on the fast track to results. Check out the following 5 fitness mistakes and the solutions you need to avoid danger and to get fit fast.
Mistake 1: You use the wrong weight
The goal is to challenge your muscles, not to simply go through the motions. If you are able to complete 15 repetitions easily, then the weight is too light. The other extreme is cheating on your form because the weight is too heavy and you're unable to achieve a full range of motion.
The correct weights will feel challenging by your last few repetitions, but won't force you to sacrifice form.
Mistake 2: You do the same routine
You may have noticed that most people do the same exercises each time they visit the gym. Maybe you've been doing the same exercise routine as long as you can remember - Some would say "If it's not broken, don't fix it"?
Exercise routines have expiration dates, this is the date they begin to lose effectiveness. As a rule of thumb never use the same routine for more than 4 weeks.
Mistake 3: You don't warm up
Most people consider warm up time to be wasted time - they'd rather jump right into the heart of the routine. What many people don't realize is that by warming up your muscles, you are able to perform at a higher intensity, which can mean greater results.
The point of a warm up is to increase your muscle temperature. Blood flow increases, muscles contract and muscle resistance is reduced. Your warm up should last 5-10 minutes.
Mistake 4: You use bad form
Gyms are filled with people performing exercises with bad form. The two biggest reasons are that you aren't concentrating on the exercise, or you're trying to lift weight that is too heavy. Lifting with improper form almost always results in injury.
Take the time to achieve proper form, by doing so you'll avoid injury and will reap the full benefit from each exercise.
Mistake 5: You workout alone
People who exercise alone are less challenged, less accountable and typically see fewer results. It makes sense, doesn't it? Why rush to the gym if no one is there waiting for you? Why push yourself if no one is watching? Exercising alone is a recipe for disaster.
The best way to avoid injury and to see results is to work with me, your trusted source on fitness. I am passionate about seeing my clients achieve results - without wasting time, energy and effort on mistakes.
