Break These Exercise Habits!

It's easy to make exercise mistakes, especially with all of the confusing fitness information flying around out there. Here's a good article that explains some of the most common mistakes many exercisers make...

(Prevention.com) - If you take the time and make the effort to exercise, you want results. Yet, like many active people, you may have some well-intentioned habits that actually sabotage your workouts. Eliminate these common mistakes, and you'll get slimmer, firmer, and fitter--faster.

Too much fueling.

Many everyday exercisers chow down on energy bars, sports drinks, and recovery bars that should be reserved for elite athletes, says Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, vice president of educational services at the American Council on Exercise.

"People think they'll supply magical strength, when all they primarily provide is calories. You can easily eat and drink 700 calories for a 200-calorie workout," he says. "Stick to a simple piece of fruit or some nuts and water if you need a snack."

Once-and-done attitude.

Many folks mistakenly believe that 30 minutes on the treadmill is license to take the elevator, park in the closest space, or sit on the couch the rest of the day.

"Exercise is cumulative. The more active you are, even when you're not 'exercising,' the better results you'll have," says Dr. Bryant. "Your body is meant to move a lot. So, avoid thinking of exercise as something you do for only half an hour."

There are lots of ways to stay active:

• Take the stairs at work instead of the elevator.
• Park a little farther away from the mall or grocery store entrance.
• When you go out for lunch, choose a restaurant or carry-out several more blocks away, or just simply go out at lunch and walk 10 minutes in one direction and then turn around and walk back.
• If you live in a city and take public transportation, get on one or two stops farther than usual, or get off a couple stops before your destination so you have a little walk either before or after work.

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