|
|
      |
| The Lounge | Champions | The Wire | Schedule | Audio | Arcade | The Top Ten | Historical | Email | Video |
|
|
|
| The Lounge | Champions | The Wire | Schedule | Audio | Arcade | The Top Ten | Historical | Email | Video |
 |
10 Workout Mistakes Cheaters Make
"When I'm lifting free weights, I tend to go pretty fast on the downward motion when I'm supposed to be using more control," says Beth Pekol, who works in banking in Chicago. "I lean on the StairMaster when I'm on it," says Shaun Stewart, a new bride who lives in Memphis. "I know I don't have good form, but when I feel the pressure on my knees, I just feel like I'm still doing something if I'm at least staying on the machine." "I know I'm cheating myself when I double the amount of work I have to do in a short amount of time," says Eugenia Griffin, an esthetician who lives near Indianapolis. "I'll say I'm going to work out 30 minutes, but I'll try to fit a lot into 15 minutes." "'Cheating' is a tough word," says Richard Cotton, chief exercise physiologist for MyExercisePlan.com. "People get tired and they don't realize they're making mistakes, especially when you're leaning into the stepper to support your weight. "It's just a matter of realizing what you're doing," Cotton says. "Sometimes it's a higher priority to keep up with the person you're working out next to because you're looking at how many lights they have lit up and you're in a competition, so you lean a bit." But, Cotton says, these women are like thousands of us who mean well in devising our workout plans but fall short when it's time to deliver: "You're increasing your risk for injury because exercising becomes uncomfortable," Cotton says of common mistakes people make when working out. "There are people who can tolerate discomfort just fine; they even look forward to it. But others, they think 'I don't like this. I hate this...' so when it's time to go to the gym, they suddenly find themselves with an excuse not to do it." If you truly want to get the benefits of exercise, such as maintaining a healthy weight, having a good sex life and staving off conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, especially as you grow older, then you just have to stop cheating, er, making mistakes. Following is a list of 10 common exercise mistakes: 1. Failing to stretch enough. Make sure you stretch right after doing an aerobic activity to prevent risk of injury. 2. Lifting too much weight. Never lift more than your muscles can handle. Gradually increase resistance to boost muscle strength. 3. Not warming up before an activity. Muscles need time to get ready for the demands of aerobic activity. Start slowly then gradually boost intensity. "It's like your car runs more effectively after it's warmed up," Cotton says. "[Likewise], your muscles aren't prepared for the activity and it's not as effective. Your aerobic energy system works better at higher temperatures." 4. Not cooling down after a workout. Take a minute to lower your heart rate and stretch. You'll gain more flexibility for your next activity. 5. Exercising too intensely. Griffin admits this is her problem: "I get impatient. I figure if I work really hard, really fast, it's a good workout. I know I have to slow down." ACE says you'll get a more effective workout if you try to sustain moderate activity for longer periods than exercising intensely for only a few minutes. 6. Not drinking enough water. Pekol learned about staying well hydrated two years ago when she developed a health problem exacerbated by not drinking enough water: "I always have water on hand throughout the day." But the rest of us? Many exercisers wait until thirst hits to drink water, and by that time, you're on your way to dehydration. And when you're outside, Cotton says, you leave yourself vulnerable to heat stroke. Keep a water bottle close by all the time. "Your body works more effectively when it's properly hydrated," Cotton says. 7. Leaning on the equipment. People like Stewart, who 'fesses up to some heavy leaning while using a variety of fitness machines, only hurt themselves by misusing the equipment this way. ACE says it can eventually wear on your wrists and back. Instead, lower your intensity to a point where you can maintain good posture. Rest your hands on the rails for balance. 8. Not exercising intensely enough. Several times a week for about 20 to 30 minutes, work up a light sweat and get your heart rate up to your training zone. 9. Jerking while you lift weights. What you're doing is using the momentum to lift, not your muscles, Cotton says. This leads to strain and injury, leaving your back muscles vulnerable. Pekol is working on controlling this: "I try to be more conscious of my movements. There's a mirror in my health club that I look in, and my instructor is helpful in pointing out when I'm going too fast. I think it's working. I definitely see better muscle tone. Now if I can just keep my promise to work out as much as I say I will..." 10. Eating/drinking energy and sports bars during short workouts. Remember: High-energy is code for high-calorie. If you're not working out for two or more hours a day, you don't need 'em. Richard Moore is the Founder an President of Everything Health and Beauty! For Men and Women Our WebMall is quickly becoming one of the most trusted and easy to use collection of shopping stores to create a fun and relaxing online shopping experience...and we are constantly searching for other stores with quality products, great prices and top notch customer service. If there is a shop you like...please tell us about it and we will do our best to put it on our site. Our goal is to have everything you need for your Health, Beauty, Fitness and Wellness needs...all in one place. Everything Health and Beauty! http://www.everythinghealthandbeauty.9k.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Why You Should Learn Tai Chi Learning Tai ChiTai Chi combines movement, meditation and breathing, to enhance the flow of vital energy in the body, to increase both physical and mental well-being.Tai Chi is one of the most broadly applicable systems of self-care in the world and is suitable for both young and old alike. Exercise and the Time Clock I have to admit that I sometimes find it amusing when someone knows I am a trainer and proceeds to elaborate on the hours that they spend in the gym. One example was a few years back when I was introduced to a nice young women, who proceeded to tell me that she went to the gym twice a day, an hour each time. How to Maximize Your Fitness Results What I am about to reveal to you can make a drastic change in the out come of your fitness results. Many of us are willing to dedicate a decent number of hours each and every week to our workout plan. Tai Chi, NOT Chai Tea! Those of you that have either completed a one-on-one program, purchased an on-line program or have read anything else that I have written in the past have most likely determined by now and realize it is quite evident.. Exercise Tips Exercise TipsThe most effective exercise regimen includes both strength training and cardiovascular (aerobic) training in a consistent, regular program.· 2-4 days of strength training and· 2-5 days of aerobic activity; or· 3-4 days of circuit training. The Cool Down - Recover Faster & Avoid Injury! Many people dismiss the cool down as a waste of time, or simply unimportant. In reality the cool down is just as important as the warm up, and if you want to stay injury free, it's vital. Programming Brief: Exercise Order One of the fundamental principles of exercise prescription, specifically resistance training, is the principle of exercise order. Which exercises do I do first? Which do I do last? Does exercise order really matter? From personal observations in the weight room, it would seem to many it doesn't matter. Get Your Exercise - Without Actually Exercising With a few minor adjustments it is possible to get the exercise that is suggested and not go out of your way or spend money at the gym!When you think about exercising, have you ever wondered how you can fit it into your already busy day? That is what always crosses my mind?where do I work it in? Even a 30 minutes a few times a week sounds like a lot of time to spare when dinner needs to be cooked and the house needs to be cleaned, not to mention the errands to run and the mandatory work functions to attend.One of my coworkers, due to advice from her doctor, began to work her recommended dose of exercise into her daily routine successfully by making small shifts to her daily life. Sweating Vacation It seems like everyone is concerned about putting on the pounds over the annual holiday season, but what about summer vacations? We spend the greater part of the new year trying to shed the weight gained from an over-indulgence of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pies and various other sweets in order to slip into that new bikini or eliminate the gut before shedding the shirt at the beach. What happens when you reach your destination of summer frolicking? Toss your diet out the window and reward yourself with excess? Stay loyal to your eating and exercise plan? Somehow manage to find a happy medium? I was faced with these questions when I embarked on a weeklong excursion of bliss to Kona Village on the Big Island of Hawaii. How To Gain An Avalanche Of Energy! For many people out there trying to become more energised and active they are terrified of committing to daily activity. It is so engrained in their minds that they might over train that they literally shy away from daily physical training and instead follow the herd and train two or three times per week. Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts: Part 4 Welcome to article number 4 in our series "Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts". In this article we are going to talk about how bodybuilders tend to create massive muscle imbalances and what you can do to not be one of them. After WLS: Walking for Wellness Step for step, mile for mile, walking is the best cardiovascular activity you can include as part of your weight loss surgery success story. Walking is easy, accessible, inexpensive, individual and effective. 10 Best Workout Tips Top Trainers share their secrets to getting slim, toned and strong in record time. It guarantees that you will see results in no time. Have a Detailed Exercise Plan Before Training You would never build a house without a site plan, would you? You would never just pick up a hammer, some nails and start pounding away hoping your dream home will be built perfectly. Just like building a house, when you build your body up, you need a plan to adhere to and follow. Precision Abdominal Training It's almost impossible to turn on the television or open a magazine without being barraged by advertisements for washboard abs, the best abdominal training machine ever designed or a 'magic' pill specifically designed to remove fat from problem areas. In my previous articles I alluded to the fact that most machines do not work, in fact they actually can increase the risk of injury. Top 10 Exercise Mistakes and How To Fix Them This is a list of ten common mistakes made during exercise. Quite often the exerciser and even the personal trainer or coach is unaware of these mistakes, decreasing the effectiveness of the exercise and even risking injury. VO2 Max- Exposing the Myth VO2 max is defined as the maximal amount of oxygen the body is able to extract and use to support work performed by the body. It is therefore an indirect measure of the aerobic power of the body, which is controlled by complex interactions between neural (brain and nervous system), cardiovascular (heart and lungs) and skeletal muscle factors. 3 Exercises for Good Posture and a Six-Pack These days many people spend a significant part of their day slaving away over a hot computer and as a result, their posture is not what it should be. Bad posture can result in short-term discomfort such as neck stiffness and headaches and also lead to more serious problems in later life. Stretching Exercises Stretching exercises are important before you begin your workout. Always remember to stretch before and after your workout. 10 User Friendly Habits for Successful Home Gym Training Are you dissatisfied with your current training program? Are you not achieving the results you had hoped for when you started training? If you are you stuck on a fitness plateau and are in need of some tips on how to start seeing progress then keep reading.I am sure you want to see results from your training program (why would you do it if you didn't want to see results, right?).
|
Section Site Map - Submit News - Feedback - Comments - Advertise with Us Copyright © 2006 Luminati Inc. All rights reserved. 
|
