Whether it's skipping a warm-up or fudging on form, a lot of us make the same workout mistakes. Look around a gym and you'll see people making the same mistakes: Failing to warm up. Using improper form. Doing the same old routine. Focusing their work on one area of the body. Exercising too hard or barely breaking a sweat.
"Those are all pretty common," says trainer Patrick Hagerman, Ed.D., clinical assistant professor of athletic training at the University of Tulsa. "As much as 90 percent of people who haven't had professional instruction are making one or more of them."
Here's how to avoid five mistakes that can lead to frustration, injury or skipping workouts altogether.
"And they're off!"
For most people, the clock is ticking even before they get on a treadmill or exercise bike.
"People are in a hurry, so they skip the warm-up and jump right into whatever they are doing," Dr. Hagerman says. "That's when muscles get strained and torn." He compares muscle fiber to a stick of chewing gum: When it's warm it bends, but when it's cold it snaps.
Doing your normal activity at a low intensity for five to 15 minutes will give muscles enough elasticity. If that's the treadmill, set the pace at a brisk walk. If it's lifting weights, do a set at a third to half of your normal load.