Fitness faux pas’: How not to exercise!

Scour the internet, and you’ll find all sorts of guides telling you how to exercise.

This is all well and great, but there’s just one issue: human nature. While some of us follow guidance to a tee, many look for shortcuts. After all, this exercising business is tough, and over time, we can start to falter.

Bearing this in mind, today’s post is about what NOT to do as you start or continue your exercise regime. Combine the following guidance with the positive tips you read to get your fitness workouts moving.

Mistake #1 – You don’t stretch

One of the most common mistakes we see amongst people new to the exercise game is that they don’t stretch. After all, jumping into the free weights section and picking a pair of 50kg dumbbells is so much more fun, right?

In an ideal world, it might be, but there are reasons why stretching is essential for optimum performance.

Firstly, stretching helps to loosen up your muscles and tendons, making them less likely to be injured when you start exercising. After all, the last thing you want is to be starting a new exercise regime, only to be filing a health insurance claim just a couple of days later.

Secondly, it improves your range of motion, meaning that you’ll be able to work your muscles more effectively.

Mistake #2 – You try to do too much, too soon

If you’re starting from zero or close to zero in terms of your fitness levels, then it’s important to take things slow. We’ve all seen those memes that show someone who’s just started going to the gym, only to be found crying on the floor a few days later.

While these memes might be funny, the underlying message is serious – if you try to do too much too soon, you’re likely to injure yourself.

Instead, start with some basic exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your fitness levels improve.

Mistake #3 – You stick to the same workout routine

When it comes to exercise, there’s one thing that’s true for everyone – we all get bored eventually. If you find yourself in an exercise rut, it might be time to switch up your routine.

Not only will this help keep you motivated, but it will also challenge your body in different ways, helping you see even better results.

If you do the same workout for weeks or months, it will get easier – and your body won’t develop.

Mistake #4 – You don’t focus on form

When doing any exercise, it’s essential to focus on your form. Not only will this help you to get the most out of your workout, but it will also reduce your risk of injury.

If you’re unsure how to do an exercise correctly, plenty of resources are available online, or you could even ask a personal trainer for help.

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