Effective exercise can be a little more complex than one would expect, and it’s easy to overlook different aspects without some guidance. Allow us to help by teaching you some of the common exercise mistakes to avoid and ways to fix those mistakes if you’ve made them.

Skipping the warm-up

Some people get a bit too eager and jump right into their routine rather than taking the time to stretch and warm-up. Warming up is such an important step because it prepares your body for more intense workouts that will make you more effective when performing as well as prevent injuries like overusing your muscles or straining yourself. Warming up gets your blood pumping and your muscles become more elastic. Think of it like warming up an engine before you hit the gas.

Neglecting to plan

Newcomers to fitness typically jump around between routines to try out everything and see what they like the best. While switching up your routine can be good, having no plan or direction will lead to inefficient or ineffective results because you’re not focusing on a certain muscle group or the exercises you do choose are not conducive to your end goal.

Forgetting to hydrate

The most important common exercise mistake to avoid is forgetting to keep yourself properly hydrated. It’s vital to remember that thirst is not always the best indicator of your hydration; dehydration is sometimes confused with hunger. Sip water regularly throughout your workout, approximately every 10 to 20 minutes, and drink before and after your workout. Similar to warming up, staying hydrated will keep you from injuring yourself, such as having your muscles seizing up. If food is your fuel, water is the oil that keeps things running smoothly.

Getting too comfortable

On the other end of not planning a routine, it’s equally common to get too comfortable with your workout. If your routine is becoming monotonous or too easy, you should plan out a few new routines so that you’re not doing the same thing every day and keep your exercise challenging. Plan out a pattern throughout the week where you work out different muscle groups on certain days. This will keep you from getting bored or allowing your body to get used to the workout.

Not taking rest days

Committing to regular exercise is difficult, so once you manage to commit yourself to a routine, you might be hesitant to take a day off in case you lose motivation. Taking a rest day, however, is important for allowing your body to rest and recuperate. It’s when your hard work actually pays off as your muscles repair and build upon themselves.