Weight Loss Information

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


MORE RESOURCES:

Safest Weight Loss Surgery for Britons Travelling Abroad
PR Web (press release), WA - 2 hours ago
To have the best chance of successful long term weight loss, patients also need to have on-going support and contact, to help them through the process. ...


Examiner.com

Is eating organic the best kept weight loss secret?
Examiner.com - 6 hours ago
by Sarah Dussault, Boston Fitness Examiner Could eating organic be the best kept weight loss secret? After reading various studies for a recent video, ...


Examiner.com

Vegetarian/vegan diet for lasting weight loss
Examiner.com - 6 hours ago
by Peggy Kraus, Disease Prevention Examiner Vegetarians [and vegans] have a slightly higher metablolic rate during rest, meaning that they burn up more ...


Effects of Perilipin (PLIN) Gene Variation on Metabolic Syndrome ...
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, MD - 4 hours ago
After intervention, subjects carrying minor allele T at PLIN6 had increased weight loss (3.3 ± 3.7 vs. 1.9 ± 3.4 kg; P = 0.002) and increased loss of the ...


Synovis anticipates gains from weight-loss surgeries
Trading Markets (press release), CA - 9 minutes ago
During a conference call with investors Wednesday, Kramp acknowledged that weight-loss surgeries could be considered "somewhat elective. ...


Teacher gains from high-tech weight-loss program
Bellingham Herald, WA - 18 hours ago
The 52-year-old Bellingham resident had no idea the solution would be an innovative weight-loss program at Bellingham Athletic Club, involving a high-tech ...


Weight loss super pill?
WBXH, LA - 21 hours ago
By Phil Rainier - bio | email Is it a weight loss super pill? Scientists at Baton Rouge's Pennington Biomedical Research Center say it's possible. ...


Rude Remarks: How to Handle the Weight Loss Saboteur
Beliefnet.com, NY - 6 hours ago
Every so often, someone says something to me about my newly found thinness that is upsetting and sends me reeling. (Yes, it's been seven years since I ...


Kimberly Garrison: How Winner won weight loss fight
Philadelphia Daily News, PA - 11 hours ago
The weight loss became my license to go back to poor eating habits," Bob said. He regained 60 pounds. Luckily, that was his wake-up call. ...


Washington Post

Vikings DTs Challenge Suspensions in Court
Washington Post, United States - 19 hours ago
Several of the players tested positive for a banned diuretic contained in a weight-loss product, according to their representatives. ...
Williamses win legal reprieve ... for now Minneapolis Star Tribune
Steve Aschburner Vikings' diet policies help produce amazing ... MinnPost.com
Line of Scrimmage: Week 14 - Weighing in on StarCaps Kansas City Star
The Associated Press - New York Daily News
all 1,697 news articles

Weight-Loss - Google News

home | site map
© 2006