Workout Mistakes That Can Set You Back
By Genevieve Cunningham
Working out is an important part of living a healthy life. You won't find any kind of quality doctor or fitness professional who claims that exercise isn't important. A good exercise routine propels us forward in our overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to make mistakes during our workouts. Mistakes that actually push us backward, further and further away from meeting our goals. If you want to get your health on track, take a look at these common workout mistakes that can set you back -- plus some important tips to avoid them.
Ignoring Form
We all want to do as many reps as possible to feel like we really got a good workout. But if you're valuing quantity over quality, you're setting yourself up for failure. When we ignore the proper form of a particular movement, we run the risk of pain, injury, and underdeveloped muscles. It's a serious issue. When you're exercising, focus on doing the move correctly so that you get the most from the rep and protect your body at the same time.
Ignoring Your Body
Your body will tell you what you need to know; all you have to do is learn how to listen. If you ignore your body and its cues, you're going to set yourself up for problems. If something hurts -- not just makes you sore, but actually hurts -- you should probably stop. If your body is overly fatigued, take a rest day. If your body is begging for a break and some water, indulge its needs. Don't push through when your body is telling you to take a moment. It's fine to be challenged, but ignoring your body's needs can only lead to long-term problems for your health.
Ignoring Professional Help
You may be tempted to completely ignore professionals and do everything for yourself. If you're a fitness pro, it's probably OK to listen to your own advice over most other people. But if you're even close to a beginner, you probably need to listen to the advice of a professional. If they're telling you to change your form on a certain move, listen. If they're telling you to hydrate more, listen. Ignoring the advice of those who know more is a rookie mistake that could put you in great danger in the future.
Making mistakes isn't the worst thing in the world. We all make mistakes, and we'll make a lot more in our lifetime. But when it comes to working out, a few mistakes could set you back from reaching your goals. Pay attention to these little mishaps, and avoid them if you can. If you take your workout seriously and make as few mistakes as possible, you'll reach your goals faster for a taste of success.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Encinitas, Calif.