We all have heard (or have ourselves uttered) statements like, ‘I feel excessive pain in my toe and calf muscle…’ or ‘I don’t feel my abdominal fats burning away the way I thought they would…’ These statements and many others like these can be commonly heard from people who have very recently joined gyms and other workout sessions.
Some have been working hard on specific body parts since several months but the results are not as per their requirements. Who doesn’t wish to show off their muscular arms or well-toned abdomen?
The primary reasons behind such failures in achieving the desired results can be attributed to wrong methods of working out. We list down 8 possible reasons why your workout methods might just be wrong:
#1. Safety First
Novice or rookie, do not attempt any sort of exercise unless you’re completely sure about your own safety and the safety of others around you. It will, at some point of time, lead to injuries which can temporarily or in worst cases, permanently damage or deform your body.
No one is perfect. Ask the expert(s) around you if you’re not sure about the right movements involved in a certain exercise. Ask questions like ‘what do you think is the maximum weight I can lift above my shoulders?’ Gym trainers and personal trainers go through vigorous training before they’re given a certification to practice this profession.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that your outfit is suitable for your workout. You can purchase your gym essentials at amazing discounts through OZCodes. From shoes to gym outfits, this online store will provide jaw-dropping discounts on your purchase.
#2. Cooling Down Your Engine
No, we’re not talking about your car engine here. Your whole body is like a complex chemical factory with innumerable aerobic and anaerobic reactions taking place at any given moment.
Most people get so motivated at times that they forget to take essential breaks between two exercises. This can lead to an overworked muscle (or muscles) which in the worse case might require medical help. Give your body quick breaks between different sets and reps to get more efficiency out of them.
#3. Is it too Heavy for You?
Let’s admit it. We all want those bulging biceps and towering shoulders. We agree that a muscular body does require you to lift heavy weights but there is a time zone for everything.
Consult your trainer and ask him/her about the maximum weight you should lift/use in different exercises. Maybe you can push a maximum of 40 kgs while working on your calf muscle but are not supposed to cross 15 kgs during a barbell curl exercise. Do not despair if your gym partner lifts more than you. Give it time and lift the right weights only!
#4. Super Long Cardio Sessions
We’re serious. If you have made a list of different exercises for the day and still spend more than an hour on that treadmill then you’re being unfair, to say the least. Most of us are not marathon runners and therefore, we do not have to prolong our cardio sessions exorbitantly.
Cardio is one of the best forms of exercise but overdoing it will lead to fatigue and ultimately leave us with very little energy to perform other essential exercises. Instead of a long and simple cardio jog/run; try to mix up your cardio with a series of high-intensity sprints followed by slow walks. Repeat this mix of speed to get your heart beat pacey and pumped.
#5. Straight Push-ups
Push-ups are the most versatile muscle building exercises. They not only shape your chests but also give strength to your arms, shoulders, and core.
The most common mistake people do while performing push-ups is that they curve their backs and lock the arms. The palm position can be laterally shifted, but should always be straight and unlocked underneath your torso. And the backs must be aligned parallel to the floor.Same goes with chest press.
#6. Crunches
The most traditional way of building your abs is to perform crunches. Some people pull their head swiftly while lifting their body, which is wrong. Lift the entire upper half of your body in sync.
The shoulder and the head should be lifted together and crunched to their limits. To produce the right type of abs, you should lie down flat on your back and raise your knees. Inhale as you lift yourself and exhale as you fall back. Concentrate on your abdominal muscles rather than your back or shoulder muscle.
#7. Hydration
Australia does get very hot in summer! If you’re losing your breath very often and reaching a state of exhaustion quickly, then it is certain that you’re not keeping yourself well hydrated. Remember the part where we compared your body to a factory/engine?
Well, no engine lasts for long without fuel and lubrication. Water is the fuel for human beings and regular hydration is required even for an inactive life. Imagine the amount of water you will require during an intense physical activity? Apart from water, you can prepare homemade detox drinks by simply mixing raw fruits like sliced lemon, strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, melons, etc.
#8. Take a Break
Too much of everything is bad. And this statement certainly holds true in our case. While it is good to be loyal to your gym, it is necessary to take a few days off every week. The ideal number of workout days should not exceed 5. Your body needs time to rest and repair itself.
To sum it up, it is important to keep in mind that all forms of human physical growth are gradual and requires careful supervision. A growth which has been achieved hastily is most likely to be unhealthy, or even dangerous. Take the proper dose of pain to see yourself grow into that perfect body you’ve always dreamt of. After all, pain is gain!
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