Nothing beats the exhilaration you get from finishing a workout. Whether it’s a 20-minute HIIT session or a 40-minute strength and endurance exercise, you’ll most definitely get that euphoric feeling afterwards. 

 

Apart from that, of course, you’ll also get the benefit of getting stronger over time, burning calories, and potentially losing weight.

 

But did you know that you could be doing your workouts wrong without realizing it? Today, we’re talking about 5 habits that are sabotaging your fitness progress. Let’s get started!

 

Focusing on Cardio

 

Cardio gets you huffing, puffing, and sweating like no one’s business. However, focusing only on this type of workout is counter-intuitive. While it may seem like it’s the key to weight loss, you’re better off varying your workouts by adding some strength or resistance moves.

 

Watching the Calorie Counter

 

While you do need to burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight, focusing solely on the calorie counter on the treadmill or on your smart watch is an unhealthy practice. 

 

These numbers do not necessarily define how good a workout is. What matters more is that you use good form all throughout your sets, you enjoy what you’re doing, and you’re being consistent and mindful about your workouts.

 

Going to the Gym Every Day

 

Going to the gym and finishing up a workout feels great but that doesn’t mean it’s a good thing. You may think that daily gym workouts is a sign of dedication to your fat loss goals but this can have more negative effects on your body than you think.

 

Working out too often can lead to overtraining resulting in trouble sleeping, weight loss plateaus, menstrual issues, exhaustion, and a compromised immune system.

 

A good fitness plan includes rest days to allow your muscles to recover and get stronger. Give yourself two to three days of rest in between training days. You don’t have to be totally inactive on these days. You can do some light cardio or some stretching which can help ease muscle soreness.

 

Not Warming Up Properly

 

Warming up your muscles before strenuous activities is important for preparing your body of aerobic activity. It also gradually revs up your cardiovascular system by raising your body temperature and increasing blood flow to your muscles. Furthermore, warming up may also help reduce muscle soreness and lessen your risk of injury.

 

The most effective warm up exercises are dynamic. This means you get to stretch while through a joint’s full range of motion and prepare muscles for more intense exercise to come.

 

Not Cooling Down at All

 

It may be too tempting to hit the showers immediately after your last rep and be done with it but you shouldn’t skip cool downs.

 

Cooling down at the end of a routine will allow the body to gradually decrease its heightened blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. So after your intense sets, be sure to stretch and take deep breaths.