What are some of your personal workout or fitness center “dont’s”?

This is the tenth question that I’m answering this month of the 24 most commonly asked questions Mark and I receive.

The Short Answer

• Don’t forget to warm-up.
• Don’t use mirrors.
• Don’t drink pre-workout.

The Longer Answer

These are the three things I would do everyday when I was in high school. I probably learned them from the magazines.

After years of owning a gym, however, these are three simple don’ts that I see all too often.

Don’t Forget to Warm-Up: This happens more in our Provo location because the population is younger, but the warm-up is vital to you performing well. Regardless of what you do for your warm-up, just do it. Not only does it reduce your risk of injury, but also primes your body to perform better. And who doesn’t want that?

Don’t Use Mirrors: “But I need to check my form!” No you don’t, because what ends up happening is you stare at the muscle being worked while making a kissy-face to pretend like you’re working hard. Mirrors don’t reveal inconsistencies in your form — videos do. If you really are worried about your form, do what every other athlete does and record yourself. Then check the video footage after.

Don’t Drink Pre-Workout: There are good studies that show how pre-workout will enhance your performance. My only issue with pre-workout is that you grow dependent on it. If you want to drink pre-workout before a big race, or once a week during your hardest training session, then go for it. But I would error away from drinking pre-workout every day.

Takeaway

When I receive this question, it’s usually more out of curiosity than anything. But now you have it.

After years of owning a gym, these are perhaps my top 3 don’ts when it comes to exercise.

Tyler