Top Five Training Mistakes
By: Jennifer Kelly

Fitness novice or pro, you’ve probably made at least one of the following training mistakes. The trick is to learn what they are and keep on going! Nobody’s perfect, but the more you know, the better you’ll be!

Mistake #1: Not Doing Enough Strength Training

It’s a common misconception that the only way to lose weight is to spend endless hours hunched over an elliptical. But cardio has an equally important partner – strength training. Strength training builds muscle and muscle is what burns calories during cardio. So, the more muscle you build, the more fat you’ll burn during cardio!

Mistake #2: Having Poor Technique

Before you get too delighted with the 30-pound curl you just did, consider your technique. Were you ‘rocking’ as you moved the weight up? Did you let the weight ‘drop’ too quickly on the lowering phase? Your technique on all exercises should be solid and controlled. Make sure you move at the same controlled pace during both the lifting and lowering phase.

Mistake #3: Not Changing the Intensity and Resistance

Remember, the body adapts to any stress imposed upon it. After four weeks, your body will have adapted to the intensity or resistance that you started with. In order to stimulate new growth - both muscular and cardiovascular - you have to increase the intensity or resistance.

If you have been using a 10-pound dumbbell, try a 12-pound one. Or, if you have been running on a flat surface, try running uphill at the same speed for five minutes.

Mistake #4: Not Stretching Enough

There are a lot of reasons people don’t stretch: embarrassment, lack of knowledge, and simple forgetfulness. Stretching, however, is crucial. It minimizes soreness, elongates the muscle, and leaves the body feeling more mobile. If you are nervous about “how to”, casually study the stretching chart on your way to the change room. Hide in the corner if you must, but get those stretches done!

Mistake #5: Giving Up

Too many people grow frustrated with exercise, become bored, or simply quit. But ask yourself: Is it really that difficult, or are you just telling yourself that as an excuse? If you made the time last month, you can probably find the time this month. Stop looking at exercise as a casual habit to start up and then give up when things get hard. Never give up on your goal to improve your health and fitness level!