With all the noise out there, it can be hard to focus on the things that really matter when it comes to becoming and staying fit. Below are five of the most popular training mistakes that I have seen clients fall victim to. Don't be one of them!

1. TOO MUCH AB WORK

Lose the obsession with your mid-section. Total body exercises (like squats or deadlifts) will burn more calories than crunches. Always.

2. TOO MUCH CARDIO

Now don't get me wrong, cardio is great, but balance is important. Cardio does not make you stronger nor does it increase bone and tendon density, that's what the weight room is for.

3. WORKOUT MONOGAMY

Do you do the same 4 mile loop at the same pace or lift the same amount of weight in the same succession every gym sesh? In order to progress you need to add variety to your workout routine. That means lifting harder and training in intervals.

4. WORKOUT PROMISCUITY

Doing every exercise you know every time you enter the gym isn't efficient. Instead, adopt a simple training plan. Do your research and narrow down your routine to 4 or 5 exercises for each muscle group. Train a different muscle group every day.

5. FEAR OF FOOD

Food is life. You aren't going to make gains if you aren't feeding your body the nutrients it needs. Food helps build muscle and aids your body in recovery.

*image by Public Domain Archive, Flickr

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