If there’s one thing in fitness that’s true, it’s that you must listen to your own body. It will tell you how far you can go and it will also tell you when it’s had enough. However, paying attention to your competitors can help as well. In fact, here are six things your competitors can teach you about exercising:
- That it’s extremely important to watch your form. You know how your competitors are so focused on themselves in the mirror that the gym walls could collapse around them and they wouldn’t even know? While it may appear that they’re doing it out of vanity, they’re likely watching their form…something you should be doing as well to avoid injury and isolate the correct muscles.
- How to push yourself. Working out on your own, away from everyone else, may feel more comfortable, but you’ll push yourself harder if you’re exercising in the same vicinity as your competitors who happen to be pushing their own limits.
- What not to do. Ever watch someone work out and think, “Wow! They’re going to hurt themselves!” Don’t mirror their bad form. Instead, focus on doing exercises the right way so you get the most from them.
- Consistency is key. Have you noticed that some people are at the gym every time you are? This is because consistency is necessary to achieving and maintaining a high fitness level.
- Exercise can be fun. When you notice that your competitors are smiling even though they’re engaged in a grueling workout, it’s a great reminder that exercise should be fun. So do your best to make it fun too.
- How to make gains. If you’ve noticed that one of your competitors has greatly increased in size or strength, pay attention to their workout sessions. See what they’re doing and incorporate some of what you’ve learned into your own exercise program.
Now, the next time you’re working out in the same place as your competitors, watch what they’re doing. You just might learn a thing or two (or six).
