Don't Make These 5 Training Mistakes

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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Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip: A Workout Fit For A Chief

Hail to the Chief! Since President's Day is February 16th, I thought it would be fun to examine which kind of exercise each of the president's preferred. 

President Obama's workout routine consists of weight training, running on the treadmill, and playing basketball. 

“You have to exercise, or at some point you’ll break down.” -President Obama

President George "W" Bush was an avid runner and mountain biker.  According to Bush's medical checkup released by the White House in 2001, Bush's resting heart rate was 43 beats per minute (the same as a well-conditioned NBA guard or marathon runner.) 

"One of my jobs as President is to set an example. I have an opportunity to send the message to the American people that I’m serious about exercising and you should be, too. “ -President George Bush

President Clinton spent most of his time jogging while President. Though he wasn't the healthiest while in office, he sure has come a long way. Now a vegan, Clinton credits his weight loss to his change in diet.

“The main thing that was hard for me actually- much harder than giving up meat, turkey, chicken and fish- was giving up yogurt and hard cheese. I love that stuff, but it really made a big difference when I did it.” -President Clinton

President Reagan lifted weights and jogged, but that wasn't his true passion. He loved horseback riding and doing chores on the ranch. 

“In my view, every exercise program should have an outdoor element to it.” -President Reagan

President Teddy Roosevelt may have been the fittest one of all. Amongst boxing, wrestling, rock climbing, jujitsu, tennis and hiking Roosevelt also had time to fence.

“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” -President Roosevelt

*Image by Wisconsin National Guard, Flickr

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Erik's Weekly Fitness Tip : Break a Sweat with Your Sweetie

In case you needed a reminder--Valentine's Day is right around the corner (Saturday, February 14th to be exact!) Instead of making reservations for an expensive restaurant this year, why not surprise your significant other with an exercise date? The couple that sweats together, stays together!

If the weather is nice in your neck of the woods consider going for a run on the beach, a bike ride around the park, or a hike on a new trail. End the date by sharing a healthy picnic or making a stop at your local froyo joint.

If the weather is less than pleasant, hit up your local gym and play a few rounds of racquetball, tennis, or H-O-R-S-E together. After you both rinse off, head to the coziest coffee shop nearby and enjoy a hot mug of joe (or tea) together.

Not only will you be celebrating time spent with your significant other, but you'll be celebrating one another's health. There is nothing I enjoy more than breaking a sweat with my sweetie.

*image by Lisa, Flickr

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