10 Fitness Faux Pas That Could Disrupt Your Progress

Whether you’re training for a big event or want to lose the weight you put on during the lockdown, you deserve a fitness plan that will bring big results. Sadly most people fall into the common pitfalls that will lead to restricted results.

In truth, avoiding those negative features is just as important as following positive features. Here are 10 of the most common culprits. 

1| Setting the wrong goals

It is impossible to follow the right journey if you do not first focus on the destination. Many people fall into the trap of wanting to lose weight. In truth, you actually want to lose fat. Even then, this is an overly generic goal. Dropping a shirt size in three months, or a similar target that is timed and realistic will serve you better. It allows you to adapt to the situation

Ultimately, you need to find a goal that is aligned with your lifestyle and possibilities. Likewise, it should be something that will actually improve your quality of life. 

2| Wearing the wrong attire

Gymwear and fitness attire make you look good and feel good. So, it can be a great tool for boosting your motivation levels. Crucially, though, it can actually aid your performance levels and ensure that you see the best results. As well as wearing the right clothes, choosing equipment for boxing, cycling, or other activities is key. It’s not a vanity project.

When first starting a new fitness hobby, you may want to refrain from investing in items that you won’t use for long. Once you’re happy, however, they are the best investments by far.

3| Not keeping it fun

Many novices find a plan that they think will deliver a huge transformation and then stick to it. While it’s an impressive mindset, it’s not needed. Fitness should be fun. Whether it’s team sports, using fitness apps to compete against friends, or hobbies like rock climbing doesn’t matter. When it’s fun, fitness will aid your mental health as well as your physical health.

Unless you are a professional athlete, the focus should be on consistency. A winning relationship with fitness will allow you to achieve the desired sustainability

4| Not mixing it up

It can be very tempting to find a fitness routine and stick to it. However, the human body is very quick at adapting to new workloads, which can quickly slow your progress. Therefore, you must always look to incorporate new ideas where possible. If nothing else, you will remain far more engaged with the physical activities.

Keeping things fresh also allows you to keep reviewing your goals. Objectives should change in alignment with your new fitness levels and capabilities.

5| Allowing illness and injuries

Every fitness enthusiast wants to push themselves hard as they won’t see results without putting in the work. Sadly, you won’t make any progress if you’re stuck on the sofa nursing an injury. For starters, carrying sanitizing wipes to the gym and taking hygiene precautions can prevent viruses. In turn, you can stay more consistent with your workouts. 

Meanwhile, you must be sure to avoid hitting the red zone too often. Otherwise, fatigue and physical stress will cause injuries. This would set you back several steps.

6| Ignoring the need for sleep

If you start a workout in an inferior condition, you will see inferior results. As such, it’s important to accept that rest and recuperation are equally crucial for your workouts. As such, learning to turn off your digital screens before getting a good night’s sleep can work wonders. This will leave you feeling more energetic while muscles have a chance to repair.

Hitting the gym or playing fields when you are tired can actually increase the threat of injuries too. In short, overlooking this aspect is simply not an option.;

7| Not staying hydrated

Getting fit isn’t just about exercise. Nutrition plays a central role too. While eating the right foods should be high on the agenda, hydration is the most vital factor. Carrying a Smart water bottle that reminds you to stay hydrated can change your whole life. As well as boosting your fitness plans, it supports your concentration levels at work.

Hydration can come from other beverages as well as water kept in food. However, drinking H20 is the best solution by far. Not least because it helps flush out toxins.

8| Ignoring food intolerances

Hydration should still be supported by good nutrition. However, you should avoid the trap of simply following the latest trend. For starters, your calories and macros should be tailored to match your body and lifestyle. Moreover, you must respect your intolerances. Eating the wrong foods will indirectly impact your performance levels during workouts. In a bad way.

Conversely, when your body is fuelled with the right foods at all times, it can have a positive influence. Now is the time to address this situation in style.

9| Trying to target one body part 

If your goal is to lose fat from the stomach, you may think that situps and crunches are the way to go. However, muscles won’t be revealed unless you lose fat. You cannot tell the body where to drop the fat from, either. The only way to achieve success is to reduce your overall body fat percentage. Besides, trying to focus on one area could cause disproportion.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t focus on ‘leg day’, or ‘back day’. Once again, though, mixing things up to enjoy a comprehensive approach to fitness is crucial.

10| Living too strict

Finally, you must remember to celebrate your success. Fitness and health are influenced by everything you do. However, leading a strict life 24/7 without any respite is unhealthy. Whether it’s arranging a date night or a vacation with friends, you must enjoy your life. After all, that’s the entire point of getting fit in the first place.

Besides, if you do not allow yourself a chance to enjoy the new and improved you, it’s likely that you’ll fall back into your old ways.