Are you tired of doing endless crunches without seeing any changes in your mid-section?
Have you been spending hours on the treadmill only to find that your lower body fat won’t budge?
It’s time to rethink your exercise routine.
Whether you workout at home or at Anytime Fitness, here are exercise mistakes you must avoid if your goal is to have a fit and strong physique:
Mistake #1: Doing Long Bouts of Cardio
Long, steady cardio might seem like the answer to burning stubborn fat, but it won’t work. Women, in particular, hold on to lower body fat, making it even harder to lose through cardio. Instead, try high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to trick your metabolism into burning fat.
Mistake #2: Avoiding Resistance Training
Resistance training, such as weightlifting, is essential for toning your body and burning stubborn fat. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with heavier weights. The right kind of resistance training won’t bulk you up, but instead will make you strong and firm.
Mistake #3: Doing “Woman-Friendly” Workouts
Most female-centric workout classes don’t actually help you burn fat or tone up. Instead of looking for easier versions of men’s workouts, focus on workouts that are made for the way our metabolisms use energy and burn fat.
Mistake #4: Repeating the Same Workouts Over & Over
Repeating the same workout routine over and over is a surefire way to stop seeing results. Your body quickly adapts to your workout routine, causing you to hit a plateau. Switch things up to kickstart your metabolism and keep your body guessing.
Mistake #5: Doing Too Many Ab Exercises
Ab-targeted exercises like crunches and sit-ups might make your stomach feel sore, but they won’t help you get a flatter, firmer stomach. Your abs are designed to resist bending, twisting, and crunching movements, not perform them. Instead, focus on burning off the layer of fat that’s covering your abs.
Avoid these common exercise mistakes and start incorporating HIIT, resistance training, and variety into your workouts.