That “gold star” feeling you get when you stick to your fitness plans is priceless. However, making the commitment to exercise and following through is only the beginning. Showing up and “going hard” won’t be as effective if your exercise routine is filled with counterproductive bad habits.
Whether you’re new to working out or a seasoned trainer, make sure you haven’t fallen into bad habits that can keep you from seeing the results you want and possibly do your body more harm than good in the process.
Here are five habits you should break today.
1. Working out on an empty stomach
Your body needs fuel for a good workout and this fuel comes in the form of glucose (blood sugar). Low blood sugar can make you fatigue quicker and possibly make you dizzy during your workout. Eating on a full stomach or right before you exercise isn’t advised (because being nauseous is never fun), but eating 45 minutes to an hour will give your body some energy to run on.
2. Using bad form
Doing a squat isn’t the same as doing a squat CORRECTLY. The same can be said for any exercise. Incorrect form can lead to serious injuries and keep you from reaping the maximum benefits from the exercises you do. Try asking a trainer for assistance, or using a mirror to check your form until your body builds muscle memory of what correct form feels like.
5 Bad Fitness Habits To Break Today was originally published on blackdoctor.org
