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

---

Carb Crazed

Low Carb diets have become as popular as apple pie... Read More

Abs: How to Get a Sexy Six Pack?

There are many factors responsible for abdominal fat like processed... Read More

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss

Discover secrets to overcome food addictions by releasing negative thoughts... Read More

The Carbs Go In, the Cravings Come Out, thats What Weight Gain is All About

It can happen with one bite. The moment those refined... Read More

Fast Weight Loss Takes Time

I recently received the following email:Q. Five weeks ago, I... Read More

Turn Your Body into a 24hr Fat Burning Furnace and Still Build Muscle!

Is this even possible?Well hold on to your seat because... Read More

Water - How Important Is It In Our Daily Diet And With Weight Loss?

The importance of drinking water is mentioned in almost every... Read More

The Most Effective Fat Burning And Muscle Building Workout That Takes Just 13 Minutes

Most people who want to burn off some excess pounds... Read More

Low Gi Diet or Low Carb Diet ? Which One Is Best?

These days, most everyone has heard of low carb diets... Read More

Obesity ? The Underlying Historic Causes

The scourge of obesity has reached such gigantic proportions across... Read More

The Myth of Spot Reducing

There is no such thing as spot reducing. Any fat... Read More

Developing Mental Toughness For Permanent Weight Loss

Losing weight and keeping it off is much more than... Read More

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity... Read More

Weight Loss Motivation: I CAN DO IT!

Several months ago I was in desperate need of weight... Read More

Volumetrics Adverse Events - Two Potential Outcomes

Adverse Events with Volumetrics Dr. Barbara Rolls is a well... Read More

Gastric Bypass Surgery - Weighing The Risks of Obesity Weight Loss Surgery

RISING POPULARITYGastric bypass surgery has become a popular surgical procedure... Read More

At The Dinner Table

This Article was originally Published in The July 2004 Issue... Read More

Low Carb Diet Secrets Revealed!

You may be considering a low carb diet program, but... Read More

Ghost of Binge Past

Holidays and special events should be a time of great... Read More

Low-Carb Diets: Are You Losing More than Weight?

The average American eats about twice as much protein than... Read More

3 Ways Going with the Flow Will Make You Fat - And What To Do About It!

Wanna know the truth? If you're going to... Read More

Nothing More Powerful Than Your Words

Telling yourself you have to "struggle with this weight issue... Read More

The Atkins Diet - Separating Fact From Fiction

Have you ever wished for a diet where you ate... Read More

WLS Patients Report Frequent Dizziness: What Causes It?

Many gastric bypass patients report frequent spells of dizziness. In... Read More

Top 10 Points of Encouragement for Weight Loss

On the road to weight loss, fitness, and health,... Read More

Blow Those Fat Cells to Smitherines in Just 9 Short Days

Close kept secrets to weight loss: Give me 9 days... Read More

Weight Loss Doesnt Work

Your brain has this really interesting system that is kind... Read More

7 Diet Tips For Rapid Weight Loss

1. Quit snacking in between meals. Do not fall for... Read More

Top 5 Reasons Why Women Over 30 Dont Lose Weight And Keep It Off

Have you heard about it lately? Everywhere you look, women... Read More

Exposed: The 95% Dieting Lie Thats Keeping You Fat

Repeat a lie often enough and people take it as... Read More

Can Eating Certain Foods Help You to Lose Weight?

The best way to lose weight is by consuming fewer... Read More

Serious Dieting Tips, Humorous Explanations

A few months ago, I set out to lose 22.6... Read More

Spritz On Some Flavor!

Now that everything from a tan to pantyhose comes in... Read More