Getting started can feel like the hardest thing in the world, but avoiding these easy exercise mistakes can help you overcome that first step and power you on your way to a better, healthier you.
Believing that more is more
You don't have to exercise every day for 2 hours to get results, your body needs time to recover. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week with some high intensity fitness routines.A 10 or 15 minute walk a day is a good start.
Not warming up
To effectively burn fat, your body needs to prepare. Getting the heart going and muscles prepped can also help to avoid injuries. Try walking and building up to a slow jog, leading to a run to work up some sweat. Once you are warm, you can get into your fitness routine.
Mix it up
Just like with food, you cant expect to do the same thing everyday and get continuous results. Your body will become used to the activity and stop progressing. Step up the intensity of your workout or change it up. Usually do cardio? Why not add in some weights.
Stay away from weights
Many women fear the weight room in fear of becoming 'bulky' but making use of weights actually holds the key to that toned body and strong core you've been dreaming of. Start off small and gradually up the weight.
Think exercise only happens in the gym?
Truth be told, you can have just as much success from the comfort of your own home. There are so many fitness videos out there on YouTube now. All you need is some loose clothing, enough space and motivation.
Trying too much too soon
When you make a new promise it can be easy to want to do everything all at once and really hit it hard for the first few days. However, all this will do is tire your body out and prevent you working out. Try 2 to 3 days a week of moderate exercise to begin with and then add on a day and up the intensity.
Not planning or preparing
Just like with your weight loss it helps to have a fitness goal; would you like to focus on your love handles, your arms or perhaps your legs? Is your goal to run a 5K? Having a plan/goal helps you stay motivated and increase your likeliness of working out.
Buying the latest equipment
Put down the resistance bands and toss that hoop away. You don't have to invest a whole lot of money when starting out. Try doing something that doesn't cost anything like going for a run or that 15-minute intensity session from YouTube. If you find you enjoy fitness then its time to invest in some equipment.
Doing exercise you don't enjoy
Fitness needs to be fun. Forcing yourself to do anything you don't enjoy is a fast track way to quitting. Make fitness fun and choose something you know you're going to enjoy.
Saying 'I CAN'T'
Now you and I both know that's not true. You can do anything you put your mind to. Positive thinking is the best advice for exercising. Yes you maybe think you can't run 5K right now... but we bet your shoes in 6 months time, your new aim will be to run it in under 35 minutes.Will you be shaking off these mistakes and putting the myths to bed? We challenge you to lace up, warm up and get moving!