Are you new to strength training? Congratulations on taking the first step towards a healthier and stronger body. However, just like any other form of exercise, there are common mistakes that beginners tend to make, especially without the help of a personal trainer Singapore. These mistakes can lead to injuries or hinder your progress.
Don’t worry, though; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore some beginner mistakes to avoid when getting started with strength training. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your workouts and achieve your fitness goals in no time.
Exercising in Wrong Order
One common mistake beginners make is exercising in the wrong order. This means performing isolation exercises before compound movements or neglecting to target specific muscle groups altogether. To avoid such mistakes, start your workouts with multi-joint compound exercises like squats and bench presses, as they recruit multiple muscles at once.
After completing compound movements, move on to isolation exercises like bicep curls or triceps extensions that target specific muscles. Finish your workout with core strengthening moves like planks or Russian twists for a complete full-body workout.
Using Weights Too Heavy
When starting a strength-training program, it’s natural to want to challenge yourself and push your limits. However, one of the most common beginner mistakes is using weights too heavy for your current fitness level.
Using weights that are too heavy can put you at risk for injury and also prevent you from performing exercises with proper form. It’s more than important to start with lighter weights and gradually increase the weight as you become stronger.
Not Using the Full Range of Motion
Let me ask you. Are you using every range of motion in your body when working out? If not, be sure to use your muscles through their entire range of motion for a few reasons. Firstly, it can prevent injury and improve joint flexibility.
When you don’t go through the full range of motion, you limit your body’s mobility which could lead to pain or even long-term damage. Additionally, moving through a full range of motion will help ensure that you’re properly strengthening all parts of the muscle group being worked on.
Having Side-to-Side Strength Imbalances
It happens when one side of your body is stronger than the other, which can lead to poor form and potential injury. One way to identify a strength imbalance is by paying attention to how much weight each side can lift. For example, if you notice that your left arm struggles with a particular exercise while your right arm handles it easily, you might have a strength imbalance.
Ignoring these imbalances can cause overcompensation from the stronger side, leading to muscle strains or injuries on the weaker side. Additionally, having an uneven distribution of strength could affect performance in daily activities and sports.
By being mindful of these beginner mistakes to avoid when starting strength training, you will set yourself up for success. With consistency and patience, you will achieve your fitness goals and enjoy all the benefits that come along with strength training, such as increased muscle mass, improved balance, and coordination, as well as reduced risk of injury. So go ahead – get started today.
