One of the best things anyone can do to support their health is embark on an exercise program. Not only will you experience an energy boost and be able to do all your daily tasks actively, but also reduce the possibility of developing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. The key is to understand what you wish to achieve and then come up with a plan to do so. Sure, any movement is better than nothing, you need to make your workout worthwhile. This means that you avoid common workout mistakes that could also put you at risk of injury.
What shouldn’t you do? Ido Fishman has highlighted some common workout mistakes you need to avoid:
Overtraining
In today’s society, people have begun to follow the all, or nothing concept due to which a lot of people overdo exercise straight out of the gate. If you try to power through, Ido Fishman says that you could end up with an injury or just give up soon because you burnout. It is better to listen to your body, which means taking time for recovery and rest.
Using an improper form
Whether you are practicing a yoga routine, lifting weights or running, it is essential to maintain proper form for getting the desired results and also avoiding the risk of injury. It is a good idea to use the services of a personal trainer or coach for a couple of sessions in order to get the hang of it and ensure you are doing everything correctly.
Not warming up and cooling down
According to Ido Fishman, not warming up and cooling down before and after your exercise, respectively, can be a big blunder. Warming up can prevent premature fatigue, skipped heartbeats and injury, particularly when you do high-intensity activities. Cooling down promotes recovery and prevents muscle soreness.
Sticking to the same routine
Another reason for people to get injured or burnout is because they stick to the same workout routine and don’t switch their activity. Yes, it is true that any activity is better than zero movement, but you have to remember that if you wish to achieve overall fitness, you need to break out from your strict routine. This means incorporating different types of exercise to ensure you are fit enough.
Skipping strength training
Experts like Ido Fishman state that strength training is a must, not only for building strong muscles, but also for preserving your muscle tone. Weightlifting and resistance exercise can increase elasticity and strength and can also come in handy for building strong connective tissue, such as tendons and ligaments. The best part is that strength training gives your metabolism a boost, which is an excellent way of getting rid of body fat.
Not stretching out
If you want to keep your range of motion consistent over the long haul, Ido Fishman suggests that you stretch out regularly. This is sometimes referred to as flexibility training and doing stretching exercises means your body has to move in all directions. This will keep your ligaments and tendons pliable and your muscles will stay relaxed. You should always hold a static stretch for about 30 seconds for it to help you improve muscle elasticity and boost circulation.
Not taking recovery time
It is a must to bear in mind that a workout can only be good for you in the long haul if you are getting sufficient rest. As per Ido Fishman, the more intense workout you do, the longer you need for recovery. If you think you are doing too much, it is a good idea to take a step back. You can slow down for a bit because you want to stay consistent and not burnout. Make sure you have a proper meal and drink lots of water after a workout to replenish the lost water and the burnt calories.
