FitnessU:
5 Serious Mistakes People Make in the Gym
See Stephen Tamm, a student at West Texas A&M and a certified personal trainer, share five mistakes that many students make at the gym.
See Christopher Trinh, a student at the University of California, Riverside, talk about avoiding common bench press mistakes.
See Tiffany Brazile, a personal trainer and student at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, give her tips on how to have a more effective workout.
Students from around the country tell us what they think the biggest mistakes are that people make at the gym or when exercising.
Doing crunches does not target belly fat. Cardio and a healthy diet are the way to go for that. Also, trying to lift too much. If you cannot do a lift while maintaining perfect form, reduce the weight! Finally, starting off too intense. Make sure to warm up before you begin your workout to avoid injury and increase your performance.
Matt, University of Idaho, Moscow
A lot of people think doing a large amount of repetitions means they are working harder [and building muscle]. However, it is more effective if you repeat a move around 12 times, stop, and then start again and continue this process until your muscles get too sore to get through another repetition. Also, a lot of people think if they go sit on a exercise bike and go as fast as they can, they are getting a great workout. I find it better to crank the resistance up all the way and go a little slower to make sure I am really toning my muscles. If you do this, you have to do it for a longer period of time.
Amy, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York
Lifting with the same muscles over and over again. Checking themselves out in the mirror more than exercising.
Hayden, University of Denver
Not asking for help with equipment or for some more information on how to accurately and safely use the equipment. Also, pushing yourself past your threshold in a negative way, to the point where you could cause yourself injury.
Ashley, George Fox University, Newberg, Oregon
Not stretching before and after exercise.
Brandon, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana
Not having perfect form. The better the form, the better the results. Also, people think they can work out and not worry about nutrition, but nutrition is what will bring your body to the next level.
Stephan, Elmhurst College, Illinois
Click Here To Tell Us How You Get An Effective Cardio Workout.
Click to Enter to Win $1,000!
