If you’ve read my article about my weight loss transformation, then you’ve probably realized that I made mistakes when I started exercising! I didn’t know what I was doing at all! Thankfully, I haven’t gotten injured (fingers crossed it stays that way!) but here are a few slipups you can avoid!

The 7 Mistakes I Made When I Started Exercising

1. I never warmed up

I know, rookie move because this is something I feel EVERYBODY knows. I just never took the time to do it and never thought it would be THAT useful, but it is, and I learned the hard way. I went running my first 5kms without warming up and ended up not being able to walk for the following week cause my calves were so cramped up.

2. I never stretched after a workout

Another thing I ‘never had time for’, which also contributed to me not being able to walk after that 5kms run I refer to above. Always take 5 minutes to stretch, you’ll thank me later!

3. I never ‘took a break’

I exercised 7 days/week, for 1.5-2 hours per day, never giving my body a break. This meant my muscles never had time to repair and recover. Though I targeted different muscles on most days, it’s still a big ‘no no’ to not give your body a break. When you do, you’ll come back better & stronger the next day.

4. I didn’t follow the proper form

I was working out from home (still am!) so how am I supposed to know if I am doing a plank, squat or push-up correctly? This is why once the restrictions loosened up during the pandemic, I booked an in-person class or two with a trainer to ensure my form was correct. I strongly recommend this!

5. I wasn’t eating properly

I had half of the puzzle figured out but was not fueling my body with the proper nutrients to perform at its best & maximize my efforts. If you’re going to take the time to exercise, make sure to fuel your body with adequate and proper foods. And yes, I strongly believe in eating a combination of carbs, proteins fats, and even a few sweets ;).

6. I wasn’t hydrating myself enough

As reported by Better Health, when you sweat, you’re losing body fluids. This is why it is imperative to hydrate yourself pre, during & post-exercise. You absolutely need to replenish the fluids you lose while you sweat. What’s the best fluid you can drink? Water! Water! Water! Water!

7. I didn’t have the right equipment

For the first year of my workout journey, I used a YOGA MAT as my mat! Yes, you read that right! I was doing planks using a yoga mat. No wonder my hands were always in so much pain. Please, don’t make the same error as me – get yourself a thick, high-quality mat from the getgo. My favourite is the SPRI Exercise Mat!

What mistakes did you make when you started exercising? Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram!