**** GUEST POST **** 6 Exercise Mistakes You Shouldn't Make

 

If you are exercising on a regular basis and not seeing the sort of results you want, or perhaps just feeling bored with your routine, don’t give up! 

The trouble may not be the exercising itself, but the way that you are doing it. 

People unknowingly make so many mistakes that don’t allow them to see the proper benefits of their workouts. 

Here’s what you need to avoid. 

 

Gym Slouch

When you go to the gym, pay attention to how your body holds itself up. 

Slouching over the treadmill, the stair master, or the elliptical is not going to give you the best results. 

 If your back is rounded over from being tired or worn out, you’re not giving the spine enough support. 

Standing erect and tall when you are working out on these machines will give you the best benefit. 

It’s best to take a 5 minute break, catch your breath and start over with proper form.

 

Reading

For some people, multi-tasking when exercising is necessary. 

However, you can’t expect to do this and get the best results possible. 

If you are finding the time to read while you’re on the elliptical or treadmill, you’re not putting your all into the workout. 

Like I said, for some people, this is fine, they just want to be active. But if you’ve hit a plateau, this might be why. 

If you just can’t put that book down, try to take breaks every four minutes and focus on your breathing.

 

Weights and Walking

 

When you walk and carry hand weights with you, it may seem good because you are adding some strength training to the workout. 

On the flip side, this is actually going to compromise your stride. 

When you carry weights, you lean forward and that puts stress on the ankles and shins and can cause pulled muscles and even fractures, depending on your skill level. Cardio exercises and strength training should generally be separate. 

So, keep the weights to a minimum and be sure to spend some time lifting weights after your walk.

Cardio Not Enough

Most people think that cardiovascular exercise is all they need, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

EVERYONE can benefit from strength training. Many girls think they will bulk up, but this shouldn’t even be a concern. 

Unless you spend 2 hours lifting every single day and take some supplements on the side, you’re not gonna even notice anything besides a leaner, toned look. This is especially true for women and men over 30.

 

Rushing Reps

Some people try to work through their weight lifting reps too quickly. By doing lifts too fast, you risk injuring your joints and your blood pressure will increase. 

Furthermore, you’re not pushing your muscles how they need to be pushed. 

The best way to train on strength machines is to left, exhale for 2 counts and when returning, inhale up to a count of four. It’s important to always exhale when you are at the hardest moment of your work.

Think about your workouts and if you find that you’re not getting the benefit you want from them, see if any of the above tips may be the reason why. Change up a few things and see if this helps!

Jenny Fitch writes about fitness, finance & frequenting www.homeequityloan.net.

To your dieting success!

Colette Morris  SAC Dipl. (Diet &Nutrition)

LFGC Founder

    

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Colette Morris is a qualified Nutritionist and Herbalife Independent Distributor so if you want advice on your diet for weight loss, weight gain or sports nutrition, email LondonFitGirlsClub@gmail.com  or simply click on the tab here  to join our program.