Written By: Sameer Jha | Published : April 10, 2014 7:17 PM IST
So, you've recently joined a gym and you're looking forward to how you will be able to attain a great physique in a matter of months. However, just like an infant falls many times before finally being able to stand and walk, you are likely to make mistakes too.
1. Lifting more than what is required
A lot of people try and lift heavier weights than they can thinking it will give them bigger muscles or make them stronger. While gradually increasing the weights is recommended, going for broke and lifting a lot will only lead to injury that will spell doom for your plans on transforming your body.
2. Ignoring stretching and yoga exercises
A lot of people think that weight training exercises are the only thing that is required for a strong and ripped body. However, fitness is not just about appearance and you should work to improve your flexibility too. Also, if you do not stretch after workouts your muscles will feel extremely sore the next day. Read about the 13 health benefits of yoga that will boggle your mind.
3. Training only the muscles that you can see
A lot of people make the mistake of training only the muscles they can admire in the mirror like chest and biceps. This is a serious error that will not only lead to injuries, but also cause your body to shape in a disproportionate manner.
4. Resting for a long time
Resting for a long time after an exercise is a wrong idea since you allow your body to cool down. Even though, you may feel tired after an exercise, shift to a new exercise quickly. It is likely that the next exercise will work on a different muscle and may not be as difficult as it may seem.
5. Not increasing weights or reps
A lot of people think that just working their muscles with the same weights will give them gains because at least they are exercising. However, if you want your muscles to grow you will need to put them under constant strain. The age old bodybuilding mantra of 'No pain, no gain' is true and if you are finding it too easy then you're not doing it right.
6. Having unrealistic goals
Expecting results to appear after working extremely hard for a couple of weeks is natural, but it's possible that they might not be drastic. This can make you disappointed. Therefore, it is important to set realistic goals and realise that transforming your body will take some time.
7. Getting demotivated by other people
You will see people with better shape and physique while working out in the gym. They might make you feel insecure about your own body, and that may make you stay away from the gym for a few days. However, quitting isn't the answer. You should instead get inspired from them, and realise that if you keep working hard and eating right, then one day you will have a physique just like them. Read about 5 simple tips to stick to your fitness regime by Ranveer Singh's trainer Lloyd Stevens.
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