Whether you’re brand-new to exercise or a seasoned gym-goer, small missteps can hamper your progress—and sometimes lead to injury. Here are five common workout mistakes and the simple fixes to keep you on track.

1. Skipping Warm-Ups
   1. Mistake: Jumping straight into heavy exercise without preparing your muscles.
   2. Solution: Spend at least 5 minutes on dynamic stretches or light cardio to increase blood flow and flexibility.
2. Poor Form
   1. Mistake: Using momentum or letting your back arch during lifts.
   2. Solution: Slow down. Focus on engaging the correct muscles. If unsure, ask a trainer or watch reliable tutorials.
3. Overtraining
   1. Mistake: Pushing too hard, too often, without proper rest.
   2. Solution: Schedule rest days or lighter “active recovery” sessions. Your muscles need time to repair and grow.
4. Neglecting Variety
   1. Mistake: Doing the same routine every time, leading to plateaus.
   2. Solution: Mix up exercises, rep ranges, or intensity levels to continually challenge your body.
5. Ignoring Recovery Nutrition
   1. Mistake: Not refueling properly post-workout.
   2. Solution: Aim for a balance of protein and carbs (e.g., a protein shake with fruit) within an hour of finishing exercise.

Conclusion & Call to Action
Avoiding these pitfalls can fast-track your fitness progress. Pick one mistake you’re guilty of—like skipping warm-ups—and commit to correcting it for your next three workouts. Track any improvements in how you feel or perform.