1. Too Much Variation

There's no need to do 20 different exercises. Instead, focus on mastering 3 or 4 lifts. It makes it much easier to follow a linear progression when you scale down the exercise selection.

2. Abandoning Athletic Roots

Though I’m in great shape, I don’t often get the chance to do anything athletic anymore. For the last 6 months I’ve been taking Krav Maga lessons. It has given me the chance to get back to that mind/body connection that is often only achieved by playing a sport or practicing dance.

3. Lack of Balance

It's no surprise that we all like to spend time doing things we are good at or find enjoyable. Most runners don’t like the weight room and most weight lifters hate cardio. In order to be a balanced athlete, you're going to have to start incorporating some of those things you don't like into your fitness routine.

4. Getting a Major in the Minors

Simply put, don’t spend too much time on the minor lifts like bicep curls, tricep extensions, or crunches. Instead, focus on the major lifts: squats, deadlifts, bench press, and shoulder press. You'll see more results in a lesser amount of time.

*image by Lee Scott, Unsplash.com

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