1. Sprinting instead of walking/jogging: When starting a new fitness regime, there are several things to consider that many of us overlook. We all want to “sprint”. “Sprinting” gets the best results the fastest...”walking” or “jogging” will take longer and who has time for that. But sometimes our bodies aren’t ready for the fast track. When starting a new fitness regime, there are several things to consider that many of us overlook. We need to think about when was the last time you worked out consistently? Have you ever done the type of exercising you are about to do? Asking these questions along with other ones depending on your goals should determine how often and/or how hard you work out when first starting out. If you have never worked out before, you probably shouldn’t work out 5 times a day and lift as heavy as you can OR if you work out that many times, listen to your body and realize not every day needs to be a “sprint”.

2. Not wanting a regression: We see this A LOT in our group classes. For those that don’t know about our group classes, we have set workouts and the trainers are ready for regressions for each exercise. However, sometimes a regression to an exercise is viewed as failing to the person working out. And that could NOT be further from the truth. Everyone is built differently, has differently mobility and has different imbalances. This could mean you have great hip mobility and have a superstar squat yet the imbalance in your right shoulder keeps you from doing a regular shoulder press and you need a regression. It’s ALWAYS better to do a regression right and work the correct muscles in a safe and effective way than to do the set exercise wrong and create a wrong movement pattern, enhance imbalances and compensate with other muscles. So next time your trainer gives you an “easier” version, roll with it and do it the best you can. Your body will thank you later.

3. Ignoring injuries and pains: Oh this is a BIG one. We see this ALL. THE. TIME. This is usually how it goes:

Client: “This [insert body part] hurts.”

Trainer: “Ok let’s do [insert other exercise] instead for today. Have you seen anyone about it?”

Client: “No…..”

**few days/weeks/months later**

Client: “This [insert body part] hurts.”

Trainer: “Ok let’s do [insert other exercise] instead for today. Have you gone to get it checked out yet?”

Client: “Ummm…..”

Listen, I get it. I tried to ignore my back as long as I could. And I am 100% sure I made it 10x worse by doing so. It may be something that can lead to you having to work out less, limit the range of exercises you are able to do or even may stop you from working out at all for a bit. But in the end, regardless of the setback you may have, you are really just making life harder on yourself. Because when you are working out with an injury or a pain that you are not ACTIVELY trying to improve, you are doing yourself more harm than good. A small tear that could have been rehabbed goes to something that now requires surgery…with rehab. A slight ache in your knee starts to radiate to your lower back and now you have even more pain while working out. It’s not worth it!

Consider the points and see if you are making things too hard on your body. Think about the long game and how your actions will effect your body and results for years to come, not just for the next few days, weeks or even months. Our bodies are capable of amazing feats but we have to take the time to care for them and give them a chance to thrive in the long run.