5 workout habits you should break

Muireann Carey-Campbell is an exercise fanatic, public speaker and writer. She blogs on running, working out and hot style at Bangs & a Bun.

1. SKIPPING THE BASICS

Rome wasn’t built in a day, people! Sure, it’d be great if we could stroll into a gym and automatically have the strength of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the super skills of Ronda Rousey, but unfortunately it doesn’t work like that.

You have to build up to the big stuff.

Focus on the basics like core strength and functional movement and gradually build up. It’s only going to benefit you in the long run.

2. NOT STRETCHING

Obviously, once your workout is over, you want to hot-step it home to continue binge-watching Game of Thrones – totally understandable.

But make sure you cool down properly and give your muscles a good stretch for 5-10 minutes. Not doing so increases your chance of injury and will make your muscles so tight, they’ll break a masseuse’s hands.

3. DOING THE SAME ROUTINE

You know how you get bored doing the same thing over and over?

Your body feels the same way.

You won’t see changes if you never push yourself. Don’t just stick with what’s comfortable, switch your routine up to challenge your body and shock your system a little bit.

Don’t just only do weights or only cardio either - mix it up so you’re strong in every sense.

4. FOCUSING ON THE VISUALS

Sure, washboard abs, buns of steel and biceps like Popeye’s are great and all, but the general fitness and functionality of your body should be paramount.

Do those giant muscles really mean anything if you get winded running for the bus?

Why focus on having a thigh gap if you can’t lift your own groceries?

We all love a good gym selfie, but don’t lose sight of the fact that there’s more to fitness that simply looking good.

5. TAKING TOO LONG

‘The longer your workout, the better the results’ is not an equation that works.

If you’re spending two hours in the gym, you’re doing something wrong. Work your body effectively.

A 30-minute workout that brings in cardio, core and strength does way more for you than faffing around for hours on end (especially if most of that time is spent taking selfies).