The Three Biggest Fitness Mistakes
Exercising is one of the best things you can do for your health—as long as you’re careful. Here are three of the biggest fitness mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Forgetting to Warm Up and Cool Down
Don’t skip the pre- and post-workout activity. Warming up before you exercise reduces the risk of injury, and stretching afterward helps prevent soreness. But be careful: Stretching improperly is just as dangerous as not stretching at all. Avoid bouncing, which can cause tears in your muscles.
2. Not Cross-Training
When you do the same thing over and over, your muscles may get strained from overuse. Be sure you’re getting a well-rounded workout. The best fitness regime incorporates both cardio and strength training.
3. Ignoring Proper Form
Muscle strains often occur when you rush through a set of exercises too quickly. Pay attention to quality, not quantity. When doing crunches, for instance, be careful not to strain your neck (which, after all, is not the area you’re trying to target).