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Avoid Common Mistakes in Fitness Programs

Some people make common mistakes when they increase their activity levels. The following tips can help you avoid common mistakes.

  • Find out which activities you like before you purchase a lot of fitness gear. You will be more likely to make wise purchases after you have learned which activities you enjoy.
  • Increase your efforts gradually. Do not take on too much too soon. If you have been inactive for a while, you may increase your risk of problems if you try to fit all your exercise into 1 or 2 days a week. Start with small efforts that you will stay with, then increase your level of activity bit by bit.
  • Replace fluid you are losing through sweat during exercise. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activity, especially during vigorous exercise or when it's hot outside.
  • Realize that weight loss is not the best measure of progress with a fitness program. Instead of weighing yourself every day, rely on how you feel and how your clothes fit. Muscle weighs more than fat. If you lose fat and gain muscle, you will probably look better, but it may not show up on the scale. You do not need to lose weight to get the health benefits of fitness.
  • If you want to watch your weight, weigh yourself regularly. In general, weigh yourself about once a week, unless your doctor tells you to weigh yourself more often because of a health problem.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Heather Chambliss, PhD - Exercise Science
Last Revised October 25, 2011

Last Revised: October 25, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Heather Chambliss, PhD - Exercise Science

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