Fitness Tips

Erik's Weekly Fitness Tips: 4 Common Mistakes Made While Training

training mistakes
 

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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Erik's Weekly Fitness Tips : Holiday Eating 101

apple pie
 

If you haven't already ripped open that bag of trick-or-treat candy, congratulations, you're doing better than most. We all know how hard it is to resist the never-ending flow of holiday goodies. Every time you turn around, there's another plate of something staring you in the face.  Whether you are a mashed potatoes junkie or an apple pie fiend, this list of holiday eating tips will help you resist the temptation.  

1. Be Realistic

Now is not the time to lose weight, just aim to maintain the weight you already have.

2. Increase Exercise

Add an extra day of exercise during the week. This will help offset the increase in caloric intake. 

3. Don't Stuff Yourself

Eat until you are satisfied, not until you are uncomfortably engorged. 

4. Skip the Appetizers

Just say no! Oftentimes, appetizers pack more calories than the main course.

5. Eat Before the Party

If you don't eat a sensible meal beforehand, you're more likely to eat everything in site as soon as you arrive. 

6. Limit Liquid Calories 

Mixed drinks such as margaritas or punches contain high amounts of sugar. Be careful of how many you throw back. 

7. Use a Smaller Plate

If you are limited on space, you'll have to be more strategic about what you put on that plate. 

8. One Trip Only

The more trips you make to the buffet, the more you're going to consume. Limit yourself to one trip only. 

*image by David Gallagher, Flickr


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Erik's Weekly Fitness Tips : 4 Key Training Points

slim fit
 

If a trainer isn't practicing what he's preaching, it's time to get a new trainer! Here are four training tips that I practice in my own life:

1. Be Consistent

Want results? Want to reach your goals? Then you need to consistently get your butt into the gym. There are no short cuts. Hard work and dedication for a long period of time will get you results. 

2. Leg Day

Your legs are your motor. If you want to be a Mercedes, squats and deadlifts need to be your main focus. If you're happy being a Hyundai, I suggest moving your legs as little as possible.

3. Lift Heavy

Don’t be afraid of lifting heavy.  Beside making you stronger, heavy weights increase bone density and make your ligament and tendons stronger. You will reap the benefits as you age.  

4. Have Fun

Keep it fun, anything in life is always easier when it’s fun! Create a playlist, workout with a friend,  or switch it up with an outside workout. 

*image by Md saad andalib, Flickr


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