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Are You Making These Fitness Mistakes?

By Brandi Goodman

Exercise is exercise, right? As long as you're working out and trying your best, the movement will do your body good. Some common fitness mistakes can hinder your performance, though, as well as your results. It's always good to exercise, but following proper form and keeping a few things in mind can help prevent injuries and help you make the most of the movements you're doing.

Eating a Large Meal Before a Workout

You may want to fuel up your body so it can handle the workout. That doesn't mean consuming a large meal, though. Doing so can lead to cramps, nausea, and a body that's focused on digestion instead of strengthening the muscles. Don't eat a large meal within two hours of your exercise time and opt for a small, protein-packed snack instead.

Failing to Use Proper Form

If you're using improper form while you exercise, you're more likely to hurt yourself. You need to be sure you always keep proper form and posture while you're working out. Your back should remain straight with your shoulders back, but you should never lock your knees tightly. They need to be relaxed.

Skipping the Warm-Up

Never skip the warm-up. Your body needs to be stretched out well and loosened up if you have any hope of working out for long. Working out with tight muscles and joints can lead to pain and injury quickly. A few simple stretches for each part of the body will suffice, and you can also take a short walk to help get the blood and oxygen flowing.

Holding Your Breath

It's always advised that you breathe in and out deeply while you're exercising. You need oxygen coming into your lungs so you have the capacity for the movements you're attempting. Holding in your breath can make it difficult to exercise for long.

You Take On Too Much

Never take on more than you can handle. You'll wear out quickly and won't get a solid workout in before you have to quit. You can also hurt yourself. If you're lifting weights, for example, start out with small increments. Never pile on far more weight than you really know you can handle. Working your way up will give you better results.

These fitness mistakes can do a lot of harm to your body and your workout routine. Avoid them if you want to make the most of your exercise time. You'll be glad you did.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Charles, Mo.

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