4 Common Workout Mistakes

We may have the perfect equipment, right mindset, and a list of youtube exercise videos we want to try out but we need more than this! Looking at what not to do when exercising might save us stress, pain, and frustration. For sure, all types of exercise are wonderful, but only when done correctly! So here are some things to pay attention too while you keeping your body active and your mind focused on results.

#1 - Soreness doesn’t always equate to an effective workout and not being sore doesn't equal ineffective 

Being sore does indicate the break down of muscle, which in turn signals that the exercises you did actually “work.” One thing to keep in mind, however, is that we can also not be sore and still have had a very effective workout. Once your body gets used to doing certain exercises and movements at a certain degree of intensity, those same exercises might no longer make you feel sore, but this doesn’t mean that they’re not working. Being sore can make it difficult to maintain consistency as well so stop relying on soreness each time and focus on following through with the whole routine, taking your time through each movement, and then applying new exercises once you feel confident enough. If you are sore after your workouts foam role! 

#2 - Leaving behind isometrics

Isometric exercises are exercises that don’t require movement. They really are key to toning up efficiently. Plank and glute bridge holds are examples. The tension created by these exercises without rest is what makes them most effective and going through them 3 to 4 times will ensure you get the most out of each. The combination of isometrics will boost toning and increase strength and resistance.

#3 - Harder exercises do not equal better 

Just because an exercise is more difficult does not mean it is more effective. The more difficult, the higher the chance people will perform the exercise incorrectly leading to no results and possibly injury. People who do very difficult exercises do them because they are fun for them and they most likely have the form and strength to do them correctly. There’s no reason why you should attempt a workout that is beyond your level. 

#4 - Not targeting the glutes and hamstrings but only focusing on your quads 

Your legs support your entire body! So you should make sure you do some type of leg exercise in your weekly workout routine to keep them strong. Just as it’s important to work on your quads, strong glutes and hamstrings are also an indication that you have a strong and balanced lower body. Lower body strength helps with upper body strength so don't overlook it! Opposite muscle groups or antagonist muscle groups work together and when they are each trained, your overall strength, speed, range of motion increase.