Last Updated on June 14, 2022 by Lori Geurin
Find out 4 of the most common workout mistakes people make so you can avoid them and get the most out of your fitness routine.
We live in a world where it’s easy to lead a sedentary life. As a result, it isn’t uncommon to find yourself feeling overweight, unhealthy, and in need of a new health kick.
Millions of people can relate. But, unfortunately, many quit their exercise habits before they’ve taken root. In most cases, the problems are due to some very simple errors. Ones that can be fixed and prevented if you know what to look for.
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But before we get into the fitness faux pas I wanted to share this amazing offer from Find Your Trainer (FYT) for Two Weeks of Personal Training for FREE! Your certified trainer personalizes each workout for your goals, body, lifestyle, location, and equipment. Best of all, you can work out anywhere you want – your home, outside, or the gym.
So what are the most common fitness mistakes to avoid, and what can you do to defeat them? Let’s take a look.
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4 Workout Mistakes To Avoid (& What To Do Instead)
1. Doing Too Much Too Soon
After an extended spell away from sports and physical activity, it can be tempting to jump straight into the deep end. But, there’s a good chance that you won’t boast the same level of fitness you did before stopping. Pacing your progress is crucial.
If you are a runner, embracing the help of a Couch to 5k program can work wonders. For sports enthusiasts, try easing your way back into your favorite games.
Doing too much too soon can lead to injuries as well as frustration. And sadly, that is likely to knock your confidence and enjoyment before you even get back into the swing of things.
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2. Choosing The Wrong Attire
Comfort is everything when working out. While exercise should be challenging, problems due to the wrong attire can be quite damaging to your motivation, in addition to your well-being.
Workout clothes can be simple, but investing in a nice pair of joggers or shorts and a dri-fit shirt can go a long way. But the most important piece of equipment has to be some supportive shoes that are made for your chosen activity – walking, running, lifting weights, biking, or team sports.
On a similar note, finding the right exercise gear is essential.
Aside from wearing the right clothes for working out, be sure to support any injuries. Whether that means bandaging weak knees, ankles, or elbows doesn’t matter. Ignoring those issues can lead to discomfort and long-term damage. This is one of the chief reasons so many people give up.
3. Following The Same Routines
It could be argued that all exercise is good exercise. However, anyone dedicating time to fitness should seek the very best results. Efficient time utilization is a vital element. While many might think finding a good HIIT workout is all it takes, they’re wrong.
The human body is incredibly quick to adapt to new cycles. So, consider keeping it on its toes by mixing in different activities. Add mini trampoline workouts, team sports, yoga, and a variety of other workouts to your routines.
Do this while combining cardio and weights for sustained progress. Not only will the rewards be far greater, but you’ll find that fitness stays fresh and exciting.
Related: 20 Reasons To Try A Kettlebell Workout
4. Not Getting Enough Rest
Arguably the worst thing you can do when getting back into fitness is to ignore your need for rest. Getting a good night’s sleep gives your muscles a chance to break down and grow, and the body time to repair itself. Getting the rest your body needs won’t only aid your fitness, it’ll support your daily life too.
The right level of recuperation allows your body to keep performing at the highest level. It also prevents injuries.
You might even think about taking an active recovery day.
For short-term enjoyment and ongoing progress, getting this right is key. Neglect to do this, and your fitness hopes may backfire, following the same pathway as others who ignore the value of downtime.
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Keeping these workout mistakes in mind as you pursue your healthy life will help you to avoid them.
Can you think of other fitness errors and solutions to share?
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These are wonderful tips for getting back into shape. I totally agree with the importance of having enough time for rest and getting enough sleep. My workouts are always that much better if I’m well rested.
Thanks, Stephanie! Getting a good night’s sleep can make a big difference in how we feel, can’t it…I’m glad you shared this.
You definitely need to work into things slowly. Too many people want to rush into things and stress their body way more than you should.
So true, thanks!
This is a great post! My faux pas is simply not exercising ha, I should probably work on that!
Thanks, Morgan! ha – I understand, and I’ve been there before. 😉
Doing too much too soon is the worst, because then it is too hard to go back and keep a routine.
So very true, Sarah!
I’ve tried to follow several exercise routines or plans where they have you working out non-stop for a certain number of days, I don’t get it. I know my body and it can’t sustain that much or it never recovers and I end up hurting myself.
Great point, Cindy! I too have done what you mentioned. I ended up feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. I tend to barrel ahead thinking I can (or must) conquer whatever I attempt, but have learned this sometimes causes more harm then good.
Being in touch with your body, like you mentioned, is so important. We can learn to challenge and improve our fitness level gradually, without overdoing it.
Maybe my faux paus is that I don’t exercise? 🙂 I know, I know, I am going to start asap.
I love it, Terri – you make me smile! I have shared in this fitness faux pas as well. 😉
I have certainly fallen victim to the unwanted weight gain and the decrease in physical activity in the past. I think of myself as an active person but I do get bored with the same routine like you mentioned. I’ve actually been researching some ways to change things up – this post has inspired me not to drop the ball.
Thanks for sharing this, Brittany! I can relate. It’s easy for me to get bored doing one kind of workout so I have to keep things new and fresh.
There are some great fitness apps out there that I enjoy switching out from time to time: 7-minute workouts, planks, squats, pushups, etc. When I get tired of one, I move on to the next. They’ve been a good complement to whatever else I’m doing, walking, kettlebell workouts, pilates…
I am a newbie when it comes to physical fitness activities and I must say, these things are so helpful. Thanks for letting us know!
I’m so glad you found them helpful – thanks!
This is great to know. Once baby comes I plan to tackle my fitness at a much more aggressive rate, and this is helpful. Zumba scares me. I tried it and really felt out of shape!
Hey, Jeanine, Some Zumba workouts are more challenging than others so you might find one you like more. When I first tried it I remember getting the steps down first, then adding the arm movements. You could always do one or the other to lessen the intensity of the workout too.
Best wishes with the new baby!
It’s awesome to get back in shape but you can’t do it in a flash, you have to make sure that your body can adjust to what you’re doing otherwise, you’re going to have an even more difficult time. These are very good tips!
So true, it’s important not to overdo it in the beginning and give our body time to adjust to the new fitness routine – thanks!
I definitely agree with switching it up. I work out with a trainer every week and she changes things up every week.
Hey, Jodi – That’s great to hear!
Being an active person years ago, I can attest that these are all totally spot on!
Thanks, Joanna!
I lost weight by doing short bouts of workouts, high intensity workouts…and changing my diet.
That’s great, Amber! Paying attention to what you eat is important – so glad you mentioned this.
Oh gosh to all these things. Things I’ve done and am still working on. Jumping into a new fitness routine but not changing it up is the hardest thing for me which lead me to taking classes. I can take the same class over and over but it will always be different!
I’ve been there too! But, hey if you find something you like that works for you, that’s what is important. I used to take classes too and loved it….took the guesswork and planning out of the equation for me.
I lost a ton of weight by doing the same thing. Zumba. It was a great way to workout and have fun at the same time.
That’s awesome – I agree, Zumba’s super fun! I think fitness is and can be fun for a lot of people. Finding activities you enjoy is key.