Top 20 Mistakes of Midlife Exercisers

The 20 common work-out mistakes listed below from the referenced WebMD article are directed at work-out beginners of all ages however the tips are particularly relevant for midlife individuals even if they are not just starting a work-out regimen. Be sure to click through to Web MD for the detailed description of each mistake. (LifeTwo has put the mistakes most common for midlife exercisers in bold.)

1. Leaning over on work-out equipment instead of standing erect.

2. Holding on too tightly to the cardio equipment instead of resting your fingers.

3. Catching up on your reading on cardio equipment and not getting a good workout.

4. Walking with weights which stresses the quads, ankles, and shins.

5. Thinking cardio is enough.

6. Rushing your reps while weight-lifting.

7. Giving your abs a free ride.

8. Doing lackluster lat pull-downs (i.e., pulling the bar down behind one's head.

9. Using maladjusted machines.

10. Stretching cold muscles.

11. Bouncing during a stretch.

12. Forgetting about fun.

13. Doing the outdated exercises you learned in high school.

14. Getting stuck in a rut.

15. Seeking a quick fix.

16. Being a weekend warrior.

17. Taking on too much at first.

18. Skipping the warm-up.

19. Forgoing the cool-down.

20. Skimping on water.

For additional articles on midlife health, click on the health tag below.