There always seems to be tons of tips out there geared towards helping us form healthy habits. But what tips should we actually follow? And which should be our priority? In today’s health-conscious world – or at least the world in which fitness is a multi-billion dollar industry – it’s quite easy to get lost in the “How Tos” and the “Dos and Don’ts” of working out and improving health. So how do we know where to turn?
When it comes to getting fit, staying in shape, or boosting our health, there are a lot of things we can do, and some things, well, we just shouldn’t do…ever. So instead of listing off the copious amounts of “go-to habits” that everyone should include in their lives, here are seven things no one should ever do, if they want to stay fit and healthy, that is.
1. Sticking to Just Cardio
The ever-popular bad habit. For more reasons than one, this can throw a wrench in an otherwise healthy lifestyle. It isn’t that just cardio workouts are unhealthy (after all, it’s definitely better than nothing), but by sticking to a cardio-only routine, you miss out on other potential gains you may see from incorporating other modes of exercise into your workouts. Strength training, and the many benefits that go along with it, is a prime example of missed opportunity if you just stick to cardio.
2. Not Hydrating Throughout the Day
Staying hydrated is one of the best habits to have in terms of overall health. So, naturally, not hydrating is definitely a habit to ditch. Aside from being good for you from a physiological perspective – because, hey, your body is made of mostly water, and you need water to like, function – it’s also great for your skin and hair, and super important for your muscles during a workout. Take it from someone who’s experienced it first-hand, the difference between a well-fueled workout, and one in which you feel severely dehydrated is huge! You’ll not only get more out of a long cardio class, but your muscles will be a lot easier to work with when they’re hydrated! The general guidelines is to drink half an ounce (0.5 ounces) of water for every pound of body weight, but aiming for 16-20 ounces throughout the day, and 8-12 ounces fifteen minutes before a workout is usually recommended.
3. Forgetting to Cross Train
Just to clarify, cross training is when you go from one form of exercise to another, like from spinning to running, or jogging to weight training. Cross training is important for two reasons: 1) it helps prevent injury because it allows you to rest certain muscle groups on off days; and 2) it helps give you a more well-rounded physique because you utilize different muscles in different ways with each different routine. Working the muscle groups in your legs during a spin class, and the muscles of your upper body in a weight-lifting session will help improve your overall fitness,
4. Skipping Breakfast
This is a huge mistake when it comes to not only your metabolism but also your day in general. Certain hormone levels in your body peak just before you wake up, making the morning a prime time to consume food. Not only does eating give your metabolism the early morning boost it needs, but it also fuels your brain. Without breakfast, you could be less focused throughout your day, and have less fuel for your workout, whenever it may be! Make sure you eat a breakfast full of healthy carbohydrates and proteins!
5. Avoiding Your Rest Day
Rest days are a lot more important than most people think. Even if you don’t take a full-fledged day off, not taking it easy one or two days a week can push you close to injury, and closer to needing an extended break from working out! Since just two weeks off of a cardio routine has been shown to detract from progress, you don’t want to overtrain to the point that stopping your workouts becomes necessary! Listen to your body and take scheduled time off. Cross training can help as well!
6. Skimping on a Post-Workout Meal
One of the best and most important things you can do for your body following a workout is to refuel. A post-workout meal not only replenishes what you lost during your session, but also leaves you better prepared to take on another workout in the upcoming days.
7. Ditching Your Pre- and Post-workout Stretch
Stretching is often said to minimize the risk of injury when done before a workout, and also decrease muscle soreness when done after a workout! Two great reasons to never ditch your stretches!
Say goodbye to these habits and hello to some awesome improvements in your performance, your health, and even your mood and functioning throughout the day!
7 Health Habits You Should Kick to the Curb [CC's ShapeU]
