People who decide to start working out usually have a lot on their plates. They’re motivated and they want to get results fast, but sometimes, their routine isn’t fine-tuned. In order to help you get the most of your workout routine, we’ve put together a list of the most common fitness mistakes that beginners tend to make.

Forgetting your water bottle

It’s amazing how much our bodies struggle to get us back in shape – we pant, we sweat and we experience plenty of muscle pain and fatigue before we can say that we’ve reached our initial goal. One of the biggest mistakes people make when they start working out is that they leave their water bottles at home. There’s a whole branch of the science behind the big question: “How much water should you drink during your workouts?”. It’s not just about the amount of water you should drink during the session, but also how much you should drink before and after. Keep your water bottle close by or you risk dehydration and severe migraines, and that’s something that will slow your progress significantly.

Waiting for equipment

Many people tend to put off their workouts until they get all the necessary equipment. There are those who want to build their home gyms, but for people who just want to get back in shape, there’s no need for dozens of pieces of professional equipment. If you do want professional equipment and prefer to exercise on good treadmills, you should make a list of “necessities” and order them!

But, keep in mind that there’s no reason to sit idly while waiting for it to arrive. In the meantime, you can get great results when you use your own furniture as props: chairs, tables, and even your own bed. Of course, it’s always a good idea to have your own mat and a couple of weights, but you can work with what you have and be able to achieve a lot.

Not resting enough

“No pain – no gain” or so they say, and there are many people who feel like taking some time off from their workout routine is a sign of weakness. While it’s true that some pain and discomfort are present during workouts (especially if you haven’t been working out for a long time) and that there has to be some muscle soreness the following day, there’s no reason why you should push through serious pain. Feeling pinches, tweaks, as well as serious aches is a sign that something’s wrong. Rest days exist for a reason, and if you take it slow, you’ll be more likely to keep your motivation and work out longer. If you start experiencing serious aches, take a day or two off – it will be enough for your body to recover and you’ll be back on track.

Not paying attention to the diet

Getting back in shape and losing weight is like fighting a war on two fronts: in the gym and in the kitchen. No matter how strong you get and how dedicated you are to your workout routine unless you change your diet and embrace healthy eating habits, you’ll never reach your full potential. Fast foods and processed sugars aren’t good for you, and if you want to pack on muscles, you should eat more protein: lean meats and fresh fruits and veggies. Swap your unhealthy snack for healthy ones; start making your own granola bars don’t put butter on your popcorn and drink coffee without cream and sugar. You’ll be amazed how quickly your body will respond to this healthy regimen.

None of us is perfect and mistakes happen all the time in all areas of life. If you catch yourself making some of these mistakes, there’s no reason to get angry or to think that your workout has been all for naught. Instead, try to be more mindful and disciplined, and the results will soon follow.