There are some vital pieces that are important to remember when exercising and we're here to share the do's and don'ts for an effective workout! 

First things first - always remember to hydrate. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is what keeps your cells healthy while working out! Don't hydrate too fast! Stomach cramps and low sodium levels can occur after gulping large amounts of water during your workout. Be sure to space your hydration by sipping a few ounces every 15 minutes or so. 

Start with a warm up! Light stretching is a great way to get your body limber before getting into your workout! Warming up helps prevent injuries! Get all of your muscles involved! Choose exercises that work multiple muscle groups such as squats, lunges, and bench presses! It is normal to feel sore or a little pain, but if you feel more than the usual amount be sure to listen to your body and take a break. Don't igore aches or pains - if the pain persists after a cooldown, you may have an injury that will require rest to heal! 

Turn off your phone when working out! It's easy to get distracted during your workouts - shut off your phone or turn on Airplane Mode so you won't be tempted to check your texts or social media. 

Don't swing the weights - keeping control over your weights helps avoid injuries AND ensure that you're getting the best workout possible> Remember, slow and steady wins the race - form is always more important than super heavy weights. Another tip to follow is to use accessories! Resistance bands, fitness belts, weights, and other accessories help make your workouts more effective and can help switch things up! Many of these items are portable so you can stash them in your bag wherever you go!

We encourage you to keep track of your progress! Wear a fitness tracker with an app or jot down notes with a pen and paper! Keeping a detailed log of your workouts an help you visualize your progress and helps you make the necessary adjustments you need to achieve your goals! Breathing is so important - don't hold your breath! Forgetting to breath properly when weight lifting or performing any other strenuous activity can put strain on your circulatory system. Speaking of breathing... get some rest! Be sure to take a breather between exercises and get enough rest at night! Sleeping the recommended seven to nine hours impacts your body's recovery and gives you more energy to keep you going the next day! 

Last but not least, don't stop suddenly. When stopping a movement or exercise, you want to slow down rather than coming to a dead stop. This will prevent injuries and give your body the chance to recover! 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Infographic provided by JSCULPT Fitness