8 ways you're sabotaging your workout

Scrutinise your overall lifestyle to know what isn't working for you or where you're going wrong, and things that may be coming in the way of your fitness goals 

- SHUBHANGI SHAH

WORKING OUT FOR a long time, but still not seeing any results? Rather than fretting, you can scrutinise your overall lifestyle to bring to the fore what isn't working for you or where you're going wrong, and activities that may be sabotaging your workout and your fitness goals.

1 Going for an extreme calorie-deficit diet

In order to lose weight, curbing calories is often recommended, which is the correct approach too. "Going calorie deficit is important for losing body fat. However, if you eventually want to build muscles, and lean muscle mass, you need to consume a good amount of healthy calories and ensure that your protein intake meets the daily requirement," says Dr Manan Vora, an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor.

In fact, to maintain peak performance during a workout, it is imperative to make sure you are eating enough calories, says Rishabh Telang, fitness expert, Cult.fit. Speaking on a caloriedeficit diet and weight loss, the experts say it should be done moderately, and that one must avoid going to extreme calorie deficit. Instead, shift your focus to nutritional balance."Set aside 25% of the plate for starchy carbohydrates, such as rice and pasta; another 25% for protein, such as meat, eggs, fish, and soy; and the remaining 50% for vibrant fruits and vegetables. Using this strategy in conjunction with sensible portion control keeps people on a healthy path," explains Telang.

2 Not replenishing water loss

It cannot be stressed enough how crucial it is to stay hydrated before, during and after a workout. Some people like to add electrolytes too.