Avoid Commont Fitness Pitfalls
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.
About The Author
Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer specializing in Internet-based fitness programs. She founded Workouts For You, which provides affordable online exercise programs that are custom designed for each individual. Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com for a free sample workout and to sign-up for their monthly fitness newsletter. Fitness professionals take your business online, visit: http://www.trainerforce.com
Related Articles:
Fitness Expert Michael Wood and Thomson Safaris Team Up for Charity Climb in Memory of Daughter
When national fitness expert, Michael Wood, CSCS, attempts to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in February 2008 with Thomson Safaris (Watertown, MA), his self-motivation may come from somewhere other than his 20 years of experience in the strength-training and fitness industry.
Advantage Fitness Products to Serve as Hotel & Spa Partner for Power Plate® North America
Fitness Industry Experts in Facility Planning and Development to Leverage Hospitality and Spa Market Leadership on Behalf of Power Plate® Acceleration Training™ Products
Achieving Extreme Fitness
It's amazing what many people think about muscle building, They imagine hours and hours spent in the gym honing that physique and having no time for anything else. They think the only way to get that impressive muscular physique is by toiling over the iron day in day out and year on year.
Goodell Physical Therapy & Fitness Training Featured in Portland's Top Docs '08
Goodell Physical Therapy & Fitness Training, a provider of high quality physical therapy and fitness training services, was recently listed in Portland Monthly's guide to the top 329 physicians in 48 specialties.
2007 DCAC International Fitness Conference To Be Held in Washington D.C. This July
The 16th annual DCAC International Fitness Conference & Trade Show for professionals will take place in Washington D.C., on July 25 through July 29, 2007. It is the event where fitness professionals go to sharpen their skills, acquire certifications, and earn professional continuing credits. There will be new variations to ever evolving group fitness classes, mind-body and its fusions, aquatics, spinning, and personal training. Among the many new offerings, this year features outdoor fitness, which is a highly effective and refreshing alternative to stationary indoor exercise machines. There will be an emphasis on special populations especially boomers and kids.
Muscle And Fitness Hers Has Great Information
These days staying fit, eating right, and loosing weight have all become serious business especially for women and that?s why Muscle and Fitness Hers.
Crosstraining For Better Fitness
Most people like to exercise in a comfort zone. They do the same activity at the same intensity and for the same amount of time each time they workout. Eventually, this can result in boredom, exercise plateaus and even injury. Crosstraining can help avoid all of these pitfalls.
Golf Tips Should Always Include Fitness
When you think of golf tips, do you usually think about how to improve your swing, or how to sink your putts? Those, of course, are good tips, but you also need fitness tips behind all of those technique tips. Without proper fitness, technique tips will fall short.
How Diet And Fitness Work Together
Most of us have been at a place in our lives where we are struggling to regain our physical fitness. The accumulation of a few ? or many ? pounds over a few years, a sedentary lifestyle spent sitting at a desk, and a chaotic schedule that has not allowed much time for ourselves have all contributed to an unhealthy body. But for those of us looking to right the wrong and get healthy, there can be no greater connection between diet and fitness.
RedZone Fitness is Awarded Best Treadmill under $2000.00 by Fitnessprofessorreview.com
RedZone Fitness is happy to announce that it was awarded with two Best buys for treadmills and ellipticals under $2000.00. Awarded as Best Treadmill under $2000.00 for the T57i and Best Elliptical under $2000.00 for the E56i.
Real Beauty Fitness
Fitness and beauty can be one and the same. Being fit and healthy
will automatically make you look better.
Unique Gift Ideas -- The Gift Of Fitness
Well, it's almost that time of year again – the holiday shopping season is just around the corner. Have you thought about what you are going to give those people on your "hard to shop for" list? Instead of another tie for your dad or music CD for your sister, why don't you give them a truly unique and invaluable gift? I'm talking about the gift of fitness.
Setting Health and Fitness Goals ? Which Are Most Common?
It doesn?t have to be a New Year's resolution for one to set goals pertaining to their health and fitness. While participating in regular exercise, losing weight, and eating right are much easier said than done, it is suggested that setting goals in this department should become a gradual process. Since many diets and exercise plans tend to fail, it is highly recommended to start out slow in order to provide the best chances for achievement and success. Below you will find some of the most common goals for health and fitness:
Fitness Poll Says Initial Workout Pivotal to Getting in Shape
250,000 kickstart first workout free.
How Fitness Has Changed The Face Of The PGA Tour
Professional golfers on the tour today are approaching fitness as they never have before. PGA players look to fitness for many of its benefits.