Poor gym technique on cardio equipment
In a recent survey, Edward Cole, director of the human performance laboratory at the University of Texas, and a panel of experts looked at common mistakes made by gym-users. Typical errors included having the seat too low on a stationary bike so your legs are cramped, or so high you have to pedal on tiptoe. To find the correct height, place a heel on one pedal and extend until your leg is straight. If you lean forward when cycling, try not to round your back. Don't grip the handlebars of an elliptical trainer or stair-climber too tightly, as it will decrease the workload for your legs and cause tension in your upper body. On the stair-climber, don't make steps too shallow: it minimises the work your large muscle groups need to do.
