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Ten home exercise mistakes to avoid

Going about exercise the wrong way when you're training at home can not only cause injuries, but can undermine your motivation.

Take note of the following common mistakes ... they can save you loads of time, pain and problems:

  1. Overeagerness: Everyone has been warned about this one, and yet we all fall prey to it. If you are unfit, your body reacts quite quickly to exercise and you soon see results. This encourages people to intensify their exercise too quickly, which can lead to burn-out or injuries. Be aware that it is dangerous and counter-productive to do too much too quickly.

  2. Not knowing your limits: Nobody knows your body like you do. You know your limits and avoid activities that will strain or injure your body.

  3. Leave out the warm-up: It is amazing how many people neglect to warm up properly before exercising. By warming up, you are preparing your body for exercise, which means you will enjoy the exercise and prevent injuries.

  4. Incorrect breathing: You would think that everyone would know how to breathe. Don’t believe it! Beginners often breathe incorrectly, which can lead to a shortage of oxygen and even feeling faint.

  5. Ignore the experts: This is the first mistake people make. Always consult your doctor before starting any fitness programme. It is also a good idea to consult a fitness expert, this way you can prevent injuries.

  6. Bad choices: It is very important to choose the right exercise. Choose a type of exercise or activity that you enjoy and that suits your personality. You don’t want to be part of the overwhelming majority of people who give up exercising within the first three to six months!

  7. Set unrealistic goals: It is true that some exercises are important in helping to lose weight, but this doesn’t happen overnight. People also sometimes think that by doing a specific exercise for a problem area, it will reduce fat in that area. Sometimes you have to accept that there are physiological reasons for being built the way you are.

  8. Neglect proper technique: Incorrect technique and poor body posture are widespread. Children are no longer taught how to correct their posture and basic daily tasks (like picking up a heavy object) are being performed correctly. Sport and exercise techniques must be mastered. Even walking and jogging require correct technique to prevent injury.

  9. Too much, too late: Experienced athletes are inclined to become lax and believe that they don’t require as much exercise. You lose your fitness much faster than you realise (within at least two weeks), so it is important to gradually begin building up your exercise programme and not necessarily begin after a break where you left off.

  10. Over-exercising: If you suddenly feel that life is becoming too much for you, your resting pulse rate is high and you feel emotional over the smallest incident, it is possible that you are over-exercising. Rest for a few days and then begin gradually again.

    Good luck!
     
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