10 Mistakes People Make When They Start Working Out

So over the years you have tried to get in the habit of working out but every time the habit fails to stick. It may not be your fault; you may be simply making some common mistakes which are preventing you from reaching your workout goals.

Here are some of those mistakes which, if avoided, almost guarantees your workout success.

1. They have no solid purpose

Are you working out to impress that guy or girl? To look good? Sure having a purpose to attract the opposite sex (or whatever you’re into) might work in your teens when you’re pumped full of testosterone and estrogen but once you start getting older you’ll notice how little you care about those kinds of things.

An example of a good purpose might be to improve your health, happiness, and wellbeing. A good purpose always has to be selfish. Workout for you, not anybody else.

2. They are trying to do too much too soon

So let me get this straight, you want to go from not working out at all to working out hardcore every day for an hour? Ya good luck with that. A better way would be to ease yourself into working out.

If you haven’t worked out in years? Start with something you think is easy. It could be as little as 10 minutes of walking a day. Once you feel comfortable start slowing increasing the time and intensity of your workouts.

3. They try to do it alone

I fall into this trap all the time. Find a group of people who you can rely on and can motivate you. Don’t have anyone to workout with? There are loads of online communities dedicated to exercise.

4. They are too critical of themselves

This one is another which I really struggle with. So you didn’t workout today. So what? Forget about the past and focus on the present. No one is perfect so don’t try to be. Just do the best you can and forget about the rest.

If someone talked to you the same way that you talk to yourself you would probably punch that person in the face. Instead, talk to yourself like you would talk to a good friend.

5. They don’t mix it up

Don’t be one of those people who only uses the elliptical or only lifts weights. Mix it up! You’ll find that it’s a lot more fun and a lot better for you. It’s called muscle confusion and it rocks!

6. They pay too much

Working out does not have to be expensive. Don’t have much money? Go to your nearest jungle gym.

Additionally, there are loads of exercises you can do right at home with just your body weight.Push-ups and crunches are free and effective!

7. They don’t write it down

Another one I struggle with. Ok here is what you do, get a calendar (or make one) and check off each day you did your workout.

Make the calendar visible to you. Somewhere you’ll see it. I have mine on my door. The fridge is another good option. Trust me it will help.

8. They compare themselves to others

So you have not been exactly taking care of yourself these last couple of years (maybe your whole life). That’s OK! Now is the time to start but don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to supermodels.

Doesn’t matter your age, sex, or weight: YOU are BEAUTIFUL.

Can’t do a push-up? That’s OK! Try doing a modified push-up on your knees until you have the strength. Don’t try to lift 200 lbs right out of the gate. Baby steps.

9. They don’t have fun

Don’t like running on the treadmill? Then pick something you do want to do. Yoga, kickboxing, dancing. All of these are fun and all of these will kick your butt.

10. They’re afraid of stepping out of their comfort zone

Try new things! Be ok with being bad at something! If you’re starting a new thing you’re expected to be bad. It’s normal and if you stick with it you will get better. Don’t let stereotypes limit your experiences.

I am a straight heterosexual male whose two favorite workouts are yoga and the elliptical and no, it’s not because I like hitting on chicks. They’re fun to me! Reversely, if you’re a women don’t be afraid to lift!