Naturally, you want every workout to bring you closer to your health and fitness goals. So nothing is more frustrating than not seeing the outcomes you expect.
The truth is that it may not be your commitment to exercise that’s holding you back. Instead, it may be that you’re making mistakes on the equipment you are using.
Getting Optimal Results From Exercise Equipment
These are five of the most common workout equipment mistakes and, more importantly, what can be done to fix them.
Improper Form
Unsurprisingly, you need to use exercise equipment properly to see results from your workouts. Online videos may help, but there is nothing better than having a certified trainer watch you perform the routine while evaluating your form.
Cardio Catastrophes
Everyone does it. Some of us walk, jog, or run, but we all have tried the treadmill to meet our cardio goals.
Believe it or not, data reveals that this cardio equipment is the most dangerous gym machine, responsible for 35 percent of workout-related emergency room visits. Yes, it’s true. The simplest mistake can cause problems on this very popular machine.
For example, the handles on your treadmill are not the same as a railing on a staircase. They are not there to bear your weight. They are a convenience for you to hold to help with balance or grab on in an emergency.
If you notice you’re holding on throughout your workout, you’re probably going at too high a speed. Plus, if you are holding on, you may restrict your natural hip movement, which can lead to injuries.
Heavier Is Not Always Better
You may think it’s cool to impress others at the gym by lifting a weight bar, dumbbell, or other pieces of equipment that are beyond your abilities. In fact, there seems to be a common misconception that heavier is better, as seen in so many unmonitored fitness boot camp classes. Nothing could be further from the truth. Prevent injuries by lifting the proper amount of weight.
Potential Problems with Plyo Box Jumps
Social media is filled with videos of impressive box jumps, with athletes landing atop stacks of boxes towering over 50-inches high. However, plyo box jumps are a more advanced explosive exercise that should be attempted with caution and under the guidance of a fitness expert.
There is a lot that can go wrong with box jumps, and many people fall victim to these mistakes:
- Using a box that’s too high is one of the most common mistakes because you are more likely to trip or fall over.
- Landing the box jump correctly is key to preventing injuries and is not easily mastered.
- Dismounting the box is important, but many people don’t know it’s best to jump off backward with soft knees to absorb the impact.
Any professional trainer will tell you this is one exercise where you want a certified instructor close by, especially as a beginner.
Kettlebell Concerns
Kettlebell exercises are awesome because they work your entire body.
- Swinging the kettlebell raises your pulse for an effective cardio workout
- The stretching you do increases flexibility
- The weight of the kettlebell strengthens and tones
However, if you do this workout incorrectly, you could suffer greatly. For example, you’ve probably seen a fellow gym member strain their back by taking the kettlebell too high when doing a swing. Others swing too fast or with too much force, resulting in pulled muscles.
It’s not easy to correct your own form. Therefore, it is essential that you do these exercises under the guidance of an experienced coach. It will allow you to use this piece of equipment the right way and avoid putting yourself at risk for injury.
The Bottom Line
Using workout equipment is only beneficial when performed efficiently. Whether it’s kettlebells, cardio machines, dumbbells, or other fitness apparatus, don’t go at it alone.
At Fit Body Boot Camp (FBBC), our classes are results-driven.
- A certified coach leads every session to give you the best workout, burn fat, and stay injury free.
- We work at your pace, so you understand how to use each piece of equipment to achieve your fitness goals and not have to figure it out on your own.
- Our fitness boot camp combines science, coaching, and technology to burn calories and gain confidence.
At FBBC, we are dedicated to supporting you, so you don’t experience these common workout equipment mistakes. Visit your local Fit Body Boot Camp today and see the difference for yourself!
Of course, we want to ensure that you are comfortable before you buy, so we offer FREE Fat-Burning Workouts to get you started.
Contact us now and join us in result-focused workouts!
