Common Exercise Mistakes
It's easy to make mistakes when you exercise.
Often it's because we haven't been trained in
the proper techniques, and occasionally it's
because we just don't pay close enough attention
to what we are doing. In either case, mistakes
in exercise can be counter-productive to your
goals and harmful to your body.
The most common mistake when exercising is
not stretching. You should stretch your muscles
before, during and after any physical
activity -- whether you're running a marathon
or simply walking your dog. Proper stretching
prevents muscle strains, tearing and soreness.
If you lift weights, it's crucial to lift
within the limits of your current strength.
If you lift too much, you run the risk of
serious injury; if you lift too little, your
training is ineffective -- either is a mistake.
Whenever possible consult a trainer about how
to determine the correct amount of weight for
your size, strength and goals. Your trainer
can also help you develop a plan for increasing
the weights in your regime to tone muscles
and build strength.
One of the other common errors made with an
exercise program is not drinking enough water.
On a normal day, you should be drinking a minimum
of 64 oz. of water. On days that you exercise,
you should drink even more than that to rehydrate
your body. It's also important to drink water
immediately after your exercise and stretching
routine to help prevent muscle cramping.
Other areas to watch during physical activity
include pacing yourself and safety. Remember
that even the best athletes didn't become so
overnight. It takes determination, endurance
and patience. Enjoy exercise, but do it safely.
And remember, physical fitness is a journey
-- not a destination.
