National Fitness Day: Mistakes To Avoid While Working Out At Home

For many, workouts got pushed to the background the moment pandemic broke out. Rightly so, because the closure of gyms and yoga sessions, and a ban on outdoor events, has left us with few options.

But, the new normal has also forced many to work out at home.

According to Kevin Steele, exercise physiologist, it doesn't take much effort or money to design an effective workout program at home. "The key thing is that you do something, somewhere, sometime," he says.

That being the case, it is fraught with dangers too. So, as we observe National Fitness Day on the first Saturday of May, let's focus on the common mistakes that many make while working out at home.

1) Skipping Warm-Ups: The biggest mistake is doing away with warm-ups. Not doing warm-ups can leave your body more susceptible to sprained muscles, cramps, and other injuries. "Sometimes an injury will set you back for weeks, so not spending a few minutes warming up before a workout is just not worth it," Latreal Mitchell, a celebrity trainer, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

2) Not Enough Fuel: Since it is proven that diet is more effective than exercise for weight and fat loss, not taking enough food can be detrimental to body composition results. Experts say it is important to eat something no less than 45 minutes before a workout.

3) Not Enough Rest And Recovery: Many tend to forget about taking a day off while working out at home. But, it is extremely important to take a break from strenuous exercise to avoid "workout burnout" and to allow the system our body is, to "reset." Besides rest days, splitting up your workouts is also advisable.

4) Working Out Alone: While we have few options left, working out alone can be a bit unmotivating. Asking a friend to join workout sessions can create a climate essential for long-term motivation, according to The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.