You eat healthy and work out faithfully, but do you still feel defeated in the battle of the bulge? If the answer is yes, you may need to rethink your exercise routine. There are several common reasons your workouts may not be working out. Any of these blunders can drastically stall your weight-loss efforts. Here are several workout mistakes that can keep you from losing weight:
1. You don’t get your heart rate up.
Elevating your heart rate is essential for a quality workout. When your heart beats faster, there’s increased blood flow to your brain and other essential organs. That means you’ll boost your oxygen levels and get the energy kick you need to sustain your workout for an adequate period of time. Plus, studies show that a raised heart rate may help you burn more calories, which can lead to faster progress with your weight-loss goals. So get your heart pumping for maximum benefit to your body!
2. You don’t vary your fitness routine.
Most of us are creatures of habit. Just like anything else you do, it’s easy to get stuck in a workout rut. If you find yourself doing the same old exercises day after day, you’re probably not seeing much of a difference on the scale. Your body can easily become accustomed to the routine and before long, you’re not burning as many calories or working all the muscles you need to. Instead of sticking to your usual 30 minutes on the treadmill at home or five laps around the block, hit the gym to take advantage of all the available equipment. You could take a spin class, use a rowing machine and do some weight training all in one location. The next day you can change it up with some step aerobics and the elliptical machine. As a bonus, a varied routine means you’ll keep things interesting. Boredom should never be an excuse for skipping workouts!
3. You don’t fuel your body.
Some people skip pre-workout meals in an effort to shave even more calories off the day. However, if you don’t give your body the foods it needs before exercising, you’ll most likely set yourself up for failure in terms of losing weight. You should always fuel up beforehand so you’ll have the energy to follow through with your workouts. Protein-packed snacks like a handful of raw almonds, a stick of low-fat cheese or even a spoonful of peanut butter are all excellent ways to provide the energy boost your body craves. Don’t forget to restore your vital nutrients with a light, post-workout snack as well. You’ve got to repair those muscles so you can stay physically active and continue your weight-loss plan.
4. You don’t take a day off.
When you’re trying to lose weight, you might think that working out every day is a necessity. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that many people make in the quest to shed pounds. When you work your body too hard, you can damage crucial muscles and increase your body’s cortisol levels. The added stress can make you feel run down and even lead to weight gain if you aren’t careful. Instead, take one day off through the week to rest your muscles and build your strength back up. You’ll avoid burning out too easily and keep your body healthy at the same time.
While a nutritious diet is an important part of healthy living, most experts will tell you that losing weight is nearly impossible without exercise. Great workouts are often the key to success for those hoping to drop the flab. However, you’ve got to do them correctly if you expect to see real results. By avoiding the common workout mistakes on this list, you’ll be on your way to achieving your weight-loss goals and living life to the fullest!
