No one gets it right on the first try, and that applies whether you’re learning calculus or starting a new exercise routine. What’s important is patience, persistence, and taking the time to get it right. So, before you dive right in, let’s discover the top mistakes while working out (and avoid them):

• Arching your back during sit ups – Sit-ups are one of those basics that almost everyone gets wrong at the start. We want to ‘feel’ our core more to we try to bend and end up arching our back and shoulders. To avoid this, stabilize your posture, and keep your upper back and arms straight, then use your abs only to do the crunch. This will help you target your core area and activate that 6-pack.
• Putting too much pressure on your back during a squat – You’ve probably heard the phrase “lift with your legs, not your back” and the same applies to your squats. Although it’s vital to keep your core strong, the main activity of the squat should focus on your legs as a strong foundation. As you squat down into the seated position, you should feel the burn in your inner thigh area and your knees should be directly over your feet, not turned in or out, or too far forward. Be sure to keep your back straight at all times.
• Not keeping your body straight in a plank – The plank is one of the toughest exercises out there. It might look simple to balance your body in a straight line – but it’s not. When doing a plank, ensure your spine, buttocks, and ankles are aligned. Don’t let your body dip. Hold steady for as long as you can. Remember, a perfect form is more important than a longer pose.
• Stepping too far forward in a lunge – A lunge isn’t about how far apart you can get your legs. It’s an act of balance, core strength, and stability. Leaning too far forward in a lunge is one of the biggest mistakes exercisers make. Instead, take a reasonable step forward, and focus on leaning down, not forward so your back-knee heads for the floor, while your front knee should be parallel with your front ankle.

To get the maximum effect from any activity, it’s vital you have the correct form. Our video workout tutorials can help you visualize and achieve the right positioning and help you avoid injury.