Are you hurting yourself while working out? Don't!
Yesterday, we talked about workout mistakes commonly performed all the time. Whether you've been working out for years or you're just getting started, it's good to be aware of common workout mistakes so that you protect yourself from injury.
Today, we're giving you more mistakes to be aware of so that you can reach your goals safely on your fitness journey.
Workout Mistakes You May be Making – Part 2
Pushups
As mentioned in the previous blogs on workout mistakes, well-maintained and perfect posture is key. You want to keep your back strong and not let it arch while performing pushups. If you let your back arch, it will not be protected, and you won't challenge your upper body as best you can. To get the full benefits, keep your form.
Bicep Curls
Curls for the girls, am I right? A lot of people swing their arms while performing bicep curls. Most of the time, people are swinging because they pick a weight too heavy for them. To start, make sure you choose a weight that you can complete full sets with. Make sure you keep your spine neutral and engage your core muscles. If you keep your focus on using only your biceps while maintaining a neutral posture with your back and shoulders, you'll be safe and make more significant gains.
Back Rows
A back row is a compound exercise that many people often do wrong. Again, the key here is to keep your back neutral, never arching or rounding your back. The best way to be mindful of this is to perform back rows sideways to a mirror. This way, you can look at your back while you row and make adjustments or regroup if need be.
Russian Twists
Many people often slouch and move their knees side to side while performing Russian twists. Don't do this! You're missing out on this decisive move that will lead you to a rock-solid core. To perform a Russian twist, start by sitting on the floor in a V-shaped form. Fully extend your arms and twist your torso to each side, keeping your arms parallel to the floor and moving your hands to the opposite hip. Don't slouch and keep those shoulder blades from dropping.
Hanging Leg Raises
We often try to swing our legs and use momentum to lift them in hanging leg raises. Don't! Using momentum instead of your legs can injure your lower back. Instead of swinging, stabilize your spine as you pull your knees to your chest. Use your core to lift your legs and feel the burn.
We hope you enjoyed another list of common workout mistakes. These suggestions and reminders help keep you safe. They also help you get the most out of every workout. Stay tuned tomorrow for even more workout mistakes to be aware of.
Resources:
https://www.coachmag.co.uk/exercises/abs-workout/3657/3a-hanging-leg-raise
https://fitnessvolt.com/18884/top-10-back-exercises-building-width-thickness/
https://www.runtastic.com/blog/en/bodyweight-exercise-mistakes/
https://www.verywellfit.com/common-exercise-mistakes-3120578
Part 2 of our Common Workout Mistakes blog series shows readers more exercises they could be performing wrong. Let us help you know the common workout mistakes we all make to prevent injury while working out.