4 Common workout mistakes

4 Common workout mistakes

by Rebecca Brown

Find out what pitfalls you need to be aware of and follow these suggestions to avoid injury and maximize your workouts.

The challenges of working out go beyond just drumming up the motivation to go to the gym. Find out what pitfalls you need to be aware of and follow these suggestions to avoid injury and maximize your workouts.

1. Forgetting to stretch before workout sessions
Even if you're pressed for time, you should always warm-up and stretch before workout sessions. Try using a foam roller to loosen up since you shouldn't lift weights with cold muscles. "Rolling out your muscle tissue before you train is critical for optimal blood flow, muscle contractions and releasing muscle adhesions and knots," says Ashley Borden, a Los Angeles-based celebrity trainer.

2. Overtraining
Workout mistakes can also occur if you exercise too frequently. "The body is a machine that responds best to consistency; it's not a reservoir you can fill up with calories and burn all in one day," says Borden. Focus on the specific body part you're training and give your body enough time to recover. Following fitness tips like this will give your muscles enough time to recover between workouts.

3. Choosing the Wrong Workout
That stripper aerobics class you enrolled in might not be suited for your ability and fitness goals. "Don't do a workout because it's popular or because your favorite celebrity recommends it—it needs to be right for your body," adds Borden. You want to make sure you're not only selecting the right exercises for your skill, but that you have the correct form too. Ensuring you have the right technique will help you prevent injury.

4. Dehydration
Workout mistakes can also happen if you're not properly hydrated or haven't eaten enough. Fluids and proper nutrition are essential for performance and stamina. "If a client shows up dehydrated or hungry, I give them a protein shake, water or an energy bar to make sure they consume calories and re-hydrate before we start training," says Borden.

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Elsa Krüger is Shape's beauty editor

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