Exercise can do much more than help you maintain a healthy weight. It can also boost your mood, increase your energy levels and even prevent certain diseases. However, if you do not do your workouts correctly, you can slow down your progress and even get hurt. Here are five common exercises mistakes you should avoid:

Not Warming Up First

No matter what type of workout you do, it is crucial to warm up your body beforehand. If your muscles are not warmed up properly, you will be more prone to injuries. Before you start your workout, take a few minutes to jog in place. This will increase blood flow to your muscles, reducing the risk of injuries.

Not Giving Your Body a Break

Although exercise is great for your body, it is possible to work out too much. If you exercise every day and do not give your body enough time to recover, you could experience muscle strains and soreness. It is important to listen to your body and give it the recovery time it needs. If an exercise session leaves you extremely sore or exhausted, take a break for a couple of days.

Avoiding Weight Lifting

Some people shy away from weight lifting because they are afraid of hurting themselves or think it will bulk them up. However, strength training should be part of everyone's exercise routine. In addition to sculpting your body, weight lifting increases your strength and speeds up your metabolism. If you are new to weight lifting, have a personal trainer show you the ropes.

Not Eating Anything After a Workout

It is critical to eat something nutritious once you get done with a workout. If you do not feed your muscles soon after a strenuous workout, you could become very sore. The food you eat should be high in protein, such as a chicken breast or peanut butter sandwich.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Do not leave for your workout without a bottle of water in your hands. If you are not properly hydrated, you are more likely to feel nauseous and endure injuries while exercising. Adding a lemon slice to your water can improve the taste.

If you are new to exercise, consider getting a membership at your local gym, such as Club 7 Fitness, and working with a personal trainer. He or she can show you all sorts of exercise moves and teach you how to do them correctly.