The 7 Things You Didn't Realize Are Ruining Your Healthy Workout

Working out is a proven way to improve health. Studies show that staying active helps people avoid a variety of problems, and it can even improve mental health. It’s no surprise that gyms, yoga studios, and workout attire stores have no trouble keeping business.

Committing to a workout routine is a smart decision for those who have been cleared by a doctor. However, committing to the routine is only part of the process. There are seemingly innocuous moves that can ruin a workout or keep it from being as effective as possible. Avoiding these missteps is key in benefitting the most from exercise.

Healthy workouts can be ruined by lack of preparation or overcommitment, so it’s important to plan around these problems before starting. If a workout routine has plateaued, it’s worth checking this list to make sure proper consideration is being given to every aspect of the workout routine.

1 - Ignoring Food Intake

Food is fuel, and not giving the body what it needs can ruin workouts. It’s easy to get frustrated when all the working out doesn’t lead to strength or more endurance because food intake is short-circuiting any chance at change.

It’s not necessary to eat a perfectly healthy diet all the time to benefit from workouts, but diet and exercise do go hand in hand. The healthier the food put in, the better the body can respond when asked for output during a workout. Plus, offering the right food for the goal set is important. Eat according to the goal, whether it’s bulking up or losing fat.

2 - Doing the Same Old Thing

Variety is truly the spice of life when it comes to working out. No matter how much someone loves running or yoga, doing the same old thing without any variety isn’t as effective as switching up the routine.

It’s fine to fall in love with a workout routine, but adding variety and working different parts of the body in different ways keeps things interesting and can help strengthen more muscle groups. Take on new challenges to see the best results.

3 - Not Investing in the Right Equipment

Working out does not have to be an expensive endeavor, but certain activities do require specialized equipment. A person who wants to take up running needs a good pair of running shoes, and they need to be traded out as they wear down. Not doing this will compromise the workout and the safety of the person running.

This goes for any activity where specialized equipment is needed. Certain clothes and supplies are made for specific activities, so don’t bypass getting the most out of a workout because of a refusal to invest in the appropriate tools.

4 - Skipping the Warm Up or Cool Down

Who doesn’t want to get to the good stuff and just start the workout? It’s annoying to slowly ease into a routine and then have to sit around cooling down when it’s over. However, researchers say it’s essential for our bodies to have these opportunities.

Not warming up or stretching can cause muscles to spasm and may lead to injuries since muscles will be tighter. Not properly cooling down can cause a load of problems, including fainting. Our bodies aren’t designed to go from hot to cold. Put in the extra attention before and after the workout and see better workouts and overall health.

5 - Not Sleeping Enough

It’s great to keep our bodies in motion, but they also need rest. Working out while neglecting quality sleep isn’t a good idea. Muscles can’t heal and endurance can’t be built if quality sleep isn’t built into the workout schedule.

Studies on the consequences of too little sleep are abundant, so anyone who wants the most out of their workout needs to sleep at least eight hours a night, sometimes more depending on the goal of the workouts.

6 - Not Watching Form

No matter what activity is chosen, form matters. Lifting weights, running, and biking all require proper form to avoid injuries. Not taking form seriously can result in not being able to work out at all, so it’s worth it to perfect form from the beginning.

Paying attention to form will offer the best results overall, and it’s likely aches and pains won’t be as bad if proper techniques are used. It’s okay to be sore after a good workout, but the pain shouldn’t come from an improper practice.

7 - Overtraining

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Yes, at least when it comes to working out. It’s easy to get addicted to working out since it releases endorphins and makes us feel so good, but there’s a danger in working out without any break days in between.

Exhaustion, stalled weight loss, and problems with sleep can all plague people who work out daily. It’s also not wise to workout while obviously injured or ill. Our bodies need time and space to heal, and not providing that can have short and long-term effects on workouts and overall health.