If it isn’t the odd smell in the changing room or the utterly tantalizing proposition of happy hour, then it might be the thought of inevitable post-workout aches and pains that deters one from visiting the gym. Many chalk it up to overdoing it while others see this as sign of growing muscle mass; yet no one seems to realize that they may be making some common mistakes while getting their sweat on (yes, tiny ones still count). So here are a few common gym errors to be aware of during your next visit.

Our bodies are made up of roughly 60% water. Consumption of it is not only essential to being alive, but it can also have a dramatic effect on our moods and feelings. In fact, many types of pain are caused by dehydration. Headaches, back or joint aches, constipation and even bad breath can be caused by not drinking enough water.

Your first yoga class can be intimidating. You’re in a room full of strangers, some wearing very little clothing, all stretching and contorting their bodies. As you see some of the more experienced students shifting into poses straight out of the cirque du soleil, you may feel a mixture of shock, amazement and embarrassment.

It is undeniable that there are many health benefits attributed to exercise. However, for those working out to lose weight, it is not enough to exercise only. When you increase your levels of physical activity, the body can find a way to adapt. Therefore, just because you exercise more doesn’t mean you will also lose those additional pounds you’ve been hoping to drop.

As more and more people decide to eliminate dairy from their diets, you may think that an osteoporosis epidemic may be on the horizon in the near future. Because really, without milk products, how are you supposed to build strong bones? It can be utterly confusing, which is why we’ve come up with a list of alternative methods to maintain and build bone health.

You’ve likely heard of hot yoga. And if you’re like any sane individual, the idea of performing yoga in a room heated to 105 degrees may not sound all that appealing. So why do people do it? Well, there are quite a few benefits to this relatively new yoga practice.

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, exercise is undoubtedly important. But is there ever a time when it’s best to skip a workout session or two? While it may sound surprising, sometimes that’s exactly what you should do. If you’re trying to reach your optimal health, exercise isn’t always the answer.

For the workaholics, it’s all too easy to get caught up in work. You can only accomplish so much in a day before it’s time to pack up and head home. That’s why many people are lulled into believing that eating lunch at the office desk may seem like a good way to make the most of their work time.

For a lot of people who do yoga, they end up sticking with the first instructor they visit. This is out of convenience or fear of the unknown more than anything else. Maybe it’s because the studio is close to their house or maybe it’s because they get a great discount for buying class sessions in bulk.

It’s quite common to see advertisements portraying yoga as a workout to achieve a flat belly and toned arms. However, behind its misconception as a modern fashionable trend for physical health, true practitioners know that real yoga is a balm for the soul, not the body.