Exercise Cheats

Taking short cuts at the gym could be sabotaging your workout. Fitness experts say you might have bad workout habits you do not even know about!

Fitness expert Cheryl Brown said it takes more to lose weight and stay in shape than merely going to the gym. It is important what you do when you get there. She shared four of the top "exercise cheats" that can blow your workout.

1) Holding on for dear life

Brown said faster does not necessarily mean better. When it comes to the treadmill, elliptical or bike, you should workout at a level low enough so your hands are only for support. That might mean you have to work your way up from the lowest level, but you will still get a better workout.

2) The waiting game

If you hit the gym during the busy hours, you probably will have to wait to use the more popular machines. Brown said instead of just standing around and letting your heart level go back down, work the same muscle group while waiting.

3) The book worm

While reading a book while working out might pass the time, Brown said you should not be able to concentrate on a book. If you can, you are not working hard enough. The same goes with the way you look. Brown said if you still look cute at the end of your workout, you need to step it up a notch or two.

4) Working out in the fat burning zone

Even if you want to lose weight, Brown said your focus should be on burning fat. You want to keep your muscle weight in order to burn more calories.

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