Top blunders in the gym  November 19, 2006|By Dan Vierria, The
Sacramento Bee  SACRAMENTO — Asked by the American Council on
Exercise to submit the "Top 10 mistakes people make in the gym,"
3,000 certified fitness professionals came up with the following
blunders.  - Not enough stretching. Stretch immediately after
aerobic activity while muscles are warm and pliable.  - Lifting
too much weight. Gradual, progressive resistance is far more
effective and safer.  - Not warming up before activity. Muscles
need time to adjust to the demands of aerobic activity. Start
slowly and gradually increase intensity.  - Not cooling down
after workout. Take a few minutes to lower your heart rate and
stretch.  - Exercising too intensely. It's more effective to
sustain a moderate workout for longer periods.  - Not drinking
enough water. Don't wait until you're thirsty.  - Leaning
heavily on a stair-stepper. Lower the intensity to the point you
can maintain good posture.  - Not exercising intensely enough.
Work up a light sweat