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6.This Chair is Too Big – So remarked Goldilocks in Papa Bear’s Chair. After He-Man has left
leg press, you may feel a similar notion. Make sure to adjust weight machines according to your body size. Most exercise equipment offers instructions as to where your knees should be or how your feet should fit under pads, etc. These focus points insure that you are working machine properly. Consequently, you will be maximizing your training and minimizing possibility of injury.
7.Rubbernecking – While in a car, it is imperative to keep your eyes on road. When watching a toddler, it is crucial to keep an eye on little bugger so he doesn’t pepper-toe to nearest danger zone. As well, when you are in gym it is important to stay focused on your workout. While damage may not be as extensive as twisted metal or heart-wrenching tears, point remains that when you lose focus on what you are doing, you lose efficiency. Remember, working out is serious – posture must be maintained, breathing must be controlled and mind must be focused. This combination will insure a safe and effective workout.
8.Closing Loop – Picture your favorite dish fresh from oven. Transferring it by pot pads to nearest cooled burner, you gently set it down. Then, you immediately stick a fork in it to enjoy a big scrumptious bite. You are well aware that instead of a taste sensation, all you get is an impression of hellish magnitude burnt onto your tongue that will linger for a day or so. To your body, this is similar to finishing an intensive bout of exercise and heading straight for locker room. After placing beneficial stress of exercise on your body, you must take a few minutes to cool down. Cooling down includes catching your breath, having your heart rate return to normal and even stretching your warmed-up and worked muscles. The latter of which is known to reduce next day muscle soreness as well as improve flexibility and prepare your body for next workout.
9.Miss Manners Says – No makeup, baggy sweats, perspiration and loud grunting does not excuse necessity for proper etiquette. Even gym has its unspoken rules. Outstaying time allotment on equipment, not cleaning up after yourself (re-racking weights or cleaning up your sweat) and loud chatting, especially on cell phones, all bring great annoyance to your fellow fitness enthusiasts. Most of expected courtesy is common sense and can be gauged by asking yourself how you would feel if…
10.Conceive and Believe – Knowing your goals and how you will achieve them is an important step in your exercise program. Aimlessly wandering about gym without a clear plan of what you need to do in order to meet your goals is asking for trouble and leading cause of exercise drop out. Get started on a well planned exercise program and, if needed, document your progression on a regular basis.
Sherri Dodd is the creator and author of Mom Looks Great - The Fitness Program for Moms. She is also an ACE-certified Personal Trainer and a Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant with over fifteen years of exercise experience. She is dedicated to a life of fitness as well as encouraging others to establish healthy habits and a better quality of life.
