Top 6 gym mistakes

2. Relying on only machines- The best machine that you can use in a gym is your very own body.  Your body weight will leave with you from the gym and every other machine will be left behind.  All machines push you through a guided plane of motion, which could cause pain and injury.  Mix it up but focus on performing strengthening exercises that use your own body weight (like push-ups and lunges) or taking advantage of free weights.

3. Wanting Immediate results- People who are exercising for a vacation, an event or because they are part of a wager are very susceptible to injury.  These are the people who really only plan to work out for two weeks.  It takes one’s body a period of time to get accustom to actually exercising.   Start slowly and safely if you’re new to working out, and ramp up any workouts only after you have been consistent for at least a month.

4. Unbalanced Training Program- This happens when a person becomes obsessed with one body part.  A guy will go to the gym and only do chest exercises at the detriment of his shoulders.  A woman will do only stomach exercises and end up pulling her lower back.  Make sure when you’re working out that you perform exercises that aren’t part of your favorites.  If you don’t like an exercise that usually means that particular muscle is weak and needs attention.

5. Not doing cardio. Or not doing strength training- Regardless of your goals, you should have a balance of both. Even if you’re looking to lose weight, you should strength train (muscle incinerates calories). And even if you’re looking to build muscle, you should exercise your heart with cardio.

6. Bad Form- I hate when I walk in a gym and see these guys who feel they are the strongest people on earth because they grab heavy dumbbells and do an exercise with terrible form! They are not really even performing the exercise at all and they will eventually hurt themselves.  Extend your arms or legs fully and retract them fully, none of that half stuff.  Utilize mirrors to watch form or have a friend/trainer monitor you.  

Siddiqu “The Personal Trainer” is a CPT, motivational speaker, author of  How Are You Fat and Saved?! He is also the Co-creator of the exercise series “You Would Think I Invented Sweat” for booking information or more fitness tips visit www.chicagofit4life.com  

 

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