The 3 Fitness Mistakes You’re Making Right Now That Are Costing You Time and Money

Taking care of your health shouldn’t be too complicated. When you think about it, it all boils down to eating well, sleeping enough, and moving your body. These three basic things are all you need to maintain physical and mental health.

Unfortunately, there are so many sources claiming to be the ultimate solution to health, leading to confusion.

Here are three common mistakes that are costing you time and money.

Taking Shortcuts When Working Out

Many people go all-in when starting a new fitness routine but often cut out essential elements like trigger pointing and stretching to save time. This can lead to injuries, which will actually cost you more time and money in the long run.

Fix it:

Your workout routine should include:

• Myofascial release with a foam roller or lacrosse ball
• Your main workout, whether it’s cardio or weight lifting
• Stretching your muscles afterward

Not Sleeping Enough

Another common time-saving mistake is skimping on sleep. Staying up late to finish work or catch up on chores can feel necessary, but your body needs sleep to regenerate. Lack of sleep harms both your physical and mental health.

Fix it:

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how much sleep you need. Experiment with different amounts to find what works for you. Some people feel refreshed with 6 hours, while others need 8 or 9. For me, 7 hours is ideal. Get to know your body’s needs and prioritize sleep accordingly.

Eating Too Much or Too Little

Diet can be incredibly confusing with all the conflicting information out there. Here’s a simple breakdown:

To lose weight:

You need to consume fewer calories than you burn. Track your macronutrients, focusing on complete proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Opt for complex carbs like sweet potatoes, whole grains, and vegetables, and healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and fish. Avoid empty calories from sweets and processed foods.

To gain muscle:

You need a calorie surplus paired with strength training and cardio. This doesn’t mean eating junk food; focus on nutritious, calorie-dense foods. If you need a sample meal plan, let me know.

To maintain weight:

Simply consume the same number of calories that you burn. This TDEE calculator can help you determine roughly how many calories you can eat daily based on your activity level.

Troubleshooting Your Fitness Goals

If you’re struggling to hit your fitness goals, take a look at these three areas. Chances are, you might not be getting enough sleep, pushing your body too hard, or not eating enough of the right foods.

I know it can be frustrating trying to figure out what’s going wrong with your plan. Reach out if you need help tweaking your routine!

Thanks for reading! Let’s keep things simple and effective on your health journey.

This TDEE calculator can you help determine roughly how many calories you can eat daily based on your activity level.