We all know working out is crucial for good health, but even the most common workout moves might be causing you more harm than good.<\/p>\n
One simple mistake in a workout can lead to injury — and that’s never fun. From planks to squats, take it back to the basics to ensure you’re getting the most out of your workout.<\/p>\n
Planks<\/strong> Lunges<\/strong> Squats<\/strong>
\nWhile planks can lead to tighter abs, it can also lead to back, spine, or neck injuries. Some of the most common mistakes<\/a>\u00a0in doing this exercise\u00a0includes arching the back, lowering your hips, or looking straight ahead or up. The ideal plank position means widening your shoulders and hands, tucking in your butt, squeezing your glutes, and drawing in your chin so your head and neck are toward the ground. Think total body alignment while contracting (or engaging) your abdominal muscles.<\/p>\n
\nThis lower body technique is used to strengthen your core, loosen your hips, and boost your muscle tissue (not to mention it\u2019ll also give you a great booty!). If you\u2019re not careful in your form, you might to fall forward or your knees may move inward<\/a>. Ideally, you should open your chest by pulling your shoulder blades together, lining your knee with your ankle, and tightening your core by drawing up from your pelvic core. Don\u2019t forget to go deep and let that knee touch the floor.<\/p>\n
\nSquats will give you a killer tush yet many people don\u2019t realize they’re probably doing it wrong. For such a seemingly simple maneuver, there are a number of mistakes<\/a>\u00a0you can make including not lowering to 90 degrees, allowing your knees to buckle inward, and arching your back.\u00a0Squat form couldn\u2019t be more important as it helps to avoid strain in your knees and lower back.<\/p>\n