Seven sins of exercise

The ‘seven sins’ are the guilty pleasures many of us struggle with when we come to the gym. While a little bit of sin never hurt anyone, should you find you are becoming a ‘chronic sinner’, you may be failing to make the most of your time at the gym.

Envy

Trying to get fit enough to come to the gym; this is one of the most common things I hear. Rather than wasting your time wishing you were someone else, take the first step to becoming one of ‘them’. Get to the gym, it’s a place for people to get fit, including you.

Gluttony

What are you eating and how much? Are you trying to stick to a ridiculous diet that isn’t giving you enough food, keeping you hungry so you end up bingeing on ridiculous things at strange hours? Gluttony can be avoided by having an eating plan that gives you plenty of good foods, ensuring you feel full and energised.

Wrath

Often people attack their workout too aggressively, overloading their weights but only being able to do one or two reps and sacrificing good technique in the process. You want to be able to perform the exercise maintaining perfect form at a manageable weight, so you know you are targeting the right muscle groups.

Pride

Ask a professional for their opinion and help. Thinking you can do it all on your own is a pitfall. Most people would agree representing yourself in court is ridiculous, so why let pride handicap you in the gym. Professionals are there to help you get results.

Sloth

Are you being lazy? Twenty-six percent of the adult population is obese and 46 percent of Australians don’t meet the minimum 30 minutes of exercise. Get up and get moving. Not only will you look and feel better but you will live longer.

Greed

Wanting too much too fast — it’s a sign of the times. By setting achievable goals you can start taking joy in what you are accomplishing, and reward yourself for it, rather than saying, “I lost 1kg this week but I wanted to lose 2kg” and feeling like you are failing.

Lust

When you’re at the gym, are you working out or just perving on the person in front of you? Maintain your focus and keep that wandering eye under control.

Be honest — is there too much sin in your gym time or lack thereof? Maybe it’s time you confessed your sins and started getting your fitness and health goals back on track. Come back to the light.

info: Paul Peroy is group fitness manager of Lifestyle Fitness Australia. Visit www.lifestylefit.com.au