Health Notes: 7 Common Fitness Mistakes

 

 

Making the decision to change your life with exercise is both exciting one but for many people it can be a bit terrifying.

It takes a lot of dedication, commitment and hard work to see and feel results and you’ve certainly never heard anyone claim that it’s easy. 

Spoiler: if they have, they’re exaggerating or downright lying.

Going from complete amateur to peak shape isn’t exactly for the fainthearted – in fact, if you work yourself hard enough without doing so in a carefully measured manner, your efforts may instead be at your detriment.

Working out incorrectly is unfortunately fairly common.

We’ve all seen the videos online of gym-goers using machines in ways they were not made for, and while some may think this just a fun exercise of watching stupid people at the gym, none of us should think that way, or judge others fitness journey (especially where some may be at the very beginning.) 

If you have been exercising and eating right but you’re not seeing much in the results department, don’t throw in the towel just yet.

There are a host of reasons for the slower start depending on your body type and methods.

Below are a number of common fitness mistakes you may be a bit surprised to find one or two to be a bit too close for comfort.

 

Doing too Much too Soon

We all get a little overexcited sometimes. If you’re the type of person (like I am) to go full swing into anything you’re passionate about then this could be the mistake you’re making.

This is bad for two reasons: First your body just cannot and should not go from zero to hero.

It’s capable of some amazing things in time, but too much too soon could lead to serious fitness injuries. Secondly it could lead to you doing a bit too much too frequently, losing steam and giving up before you’ve really had the chance to give it your all.

Ease yourself in and that way you won’t lose hope before your fitness journey has even begun.

 

Not Charting Out a Health & Fitness Plan

Like any important decision, it’s important to create a plan with SMART goals to be able to measure and visualize benchmarks, reevaluating where necessary.

Even if you’re not the planning type, it’s important to be cognizant of where you are, and where you would like to be where health and fitness is concerned.

Creating a workout plan and having an end goal, planning a reasonable workout frequency as to not completely disrupt your daily lifestyle, and making better choices in what you’re choosing to eat helps propel you forward and creates a clear path to your achieving each milestone (and celebrating when you do!)

 

Your Plan & Execution Lacks Variety

We like variety in all other parts of our life, so why wouldn’t we apply the same rule to our workouts?

You don’t want to get bored of exercising as that is when it really starts to get difficult to commit.

Doing the exact same workout each day can also lead to your body adapting to those particular movements and muscle memory will inhibit your performance, leading to plateau. 

Look for workouts that incorporate an existing hobby, or others you have always been interested in but never taken the time to explore.

 

The Workout You Chose Isn’t Ideal For You

All workouts were not not created equal. There are some celebrity workouts floating around that while they may seem fun or creative, may just not grant you the results you’re looking for.  

Routines like the bikini body series and more may work for some, but it’s always important to dig a bit deeper into the trainers story, in this case to learn more about Kayla Itsines.

Just because a workout is trending, that doesn’t mean it’s for you (but be open enough to try if it’s appealing!)

 

You’re Working Out Far too Much

Unfortunately for us gym and exercise enthusiasts, there is such a thing as working out too much. Your muscles need time to recover which is why you’re only supposed to work out certain muscles groups at a time in order to give them rest in between.

Taking a day or two off is also great for your overall body health, so don’t go too hard on yourself for giving yourself a rest here or there.

I myself feel a wonderful surge of energy after my morning workouts which carries into my methods in the office. Going too long without a workout leads me to feeling sluggish and feeling as if I am not performing at my best (in all areas of my life.)

 

Your Form Could Use a Bit of Work

This one is quite common, which is why having a gym buddy or personal trainer is one of the best decisions you can make.

Having bad posture can be extremely detrimental to your workouts and overall health as it can lead to your pulling or injuring one or several muscles, or ever chronic pain such as back ache. 

One of the most vital (and difficult) things when getting fit is coming as close as you can to perfecting your technique.

It’s so important to get your technique right and if you continue to struggle in doing so, it’s definitely time to get some extra help and support.

Seek advice immediately if you feel yourself in more pain than feels right after a workout as this could prevent you from giving yourself a long term injury.

 

You’re Not Getting Enough Rest

One of the most important things in any fitness process is giving your body the essential rest it needs. It’s equally important to actually working out.

When you exercise, you break down proteins and you need to allow adequate time for your body to heal itself.

Sleep is even more important as that’s when growth hormones are released. Your body requires time not only to repair itself but to promote any gains your actions are preparing it for.

If you’re struggling to catch some zzz’s at the end of the day then try these 5 tips on how to relax and unwind. 

 

You Struggle with Moderation in Your Diet

Sometimes we get carried away with the fact that we can eat more than before as we’re “working out way more these days.”

Our appetites increase, and sometimes we indulge as a way to reward ourselves for all of our hard work in the gym.

While it’s true that your body will need the extra nutrition, you could be giving your body too much in an effort to refuel after a workout and that could be what is ruining all of your hard work.

It’s worth remembering that not all calories were created equally either. Just because you have a calorie intake that needs to be met, it doesn’t mean that you can reach that goal by eating absolutely anything you like.

Having the occasional less healthy meal is absolutely fine, and a realistic part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Don’t be too hard on yourself and do your best to balance the healthy with the not so healthy. We’re all human.

 

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