The Biggest Mistakes Women Make When Working Out
Whether it's because of the way we're built, the way we've been raised or some other reason, we tend to fall into these exercise traps. Here's what to watch out for.
By Corrie Pikul
Over-Resting Between Sets
The mistake: You use your time in between sets to call your sister, scroll through Facebook updates or check for online sales of yoga pants.
The issue: Fitness pro Bob Greene often sees women hanging out between sets at his boot camps and the gym, which, he says, can really undermine their workouts. Socializing on the phone gives your muscles too much time to recover—you need them slightly fatigued in order to build strength.
The fix: Instead of taking a break, Greene suggests taking a brief "pause" that lasts for just 15 to 30 seconds. "Any more than that and you'll lose the benefit you gained from the previous set," he says.
The issue: Fitness pro Bob Greene often sees women hanging out between sets at his boot camps and the gym, which, he says, can really undermine their workouts. Socializing on the phone gives your muscles too much time to recover—you need them slightly fatigued in order to build strength.
The fix: Instead of taking a break, Greene suggests taking a brief "pause" that lasts for just 15 to 30 seconds. "Any more than that and you'll lose the benefit you gained from the previous set," he says.
Published 12/18/2013
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.