Two Big Workout Mistakes to Avoid
1. You Can’t Stop Comparing
Look, you’re you. You’re not Arnold, you’re not Brady, you’re likely not even close. That’s okay “When you look at The Rock and say I want to look like that so I’m going to work out like that, you’re not taking into account where you are with your fitness,” says Shaun Jenkins, senior trainer manager at Tone House in New York City. The Rock has a lifetime of workouts on you. Sure, you might be able to squeeze out one rep of his set of 10. But you’re also likely to pull a muscle and sit the next three weeks out. “Don’t allow your ego to supersede your capabilities,” says Jenkins.
2. Mistake #2: You’re Lifting Too Heavy
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. When it comes to how much iron to pump, the rule of thumb is to underestimate your strength by 20 percent and go from there. “It’s hard to find an exact reference point for what you should lift,” acknowledges Jenkins. “So, if you’ve never done any weightlifting before or you’re starting back after a break, pick the easiest weight as a base to build on.” Once you do seven to 10 reps and get your form set, add another five to 10 pounds. Do another set. Still too easy? Add a few more pounds. You’ll find the sweet spot when you struggle with the final rep in a set of 10 without breaking form.
Here are a few more workout mistakes to keep in mind.
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