5 Bad Fitness Habits That Cause You To Lose Muscle Mass - Eat This, Not That

Whether your goal is to run your first marathon, set a deadlift personal record, or commit to a daily walking routine, the key is sticking to regular habits that nudge you along the path to a healthier, fitter you.

Fortunately, by making minor tweaks to your nutrition, workout routine, and daily behaviors, you'll avoid the pitfalls of bad habits and drastically improve your ability to grow muscle.

Certified personal trainer Kate Meier, CPT of Gym Garage Reviews shares the lowdown on which bad fitness habits you should avoid like the plague.

Unless you're an endurance athlete who runs marathons or competes in triathlons, working out too much can lead to overtraining syndrome (OTS), a condition that occurs when you don't allow for proper recovery after consistent, vigorous training sessions, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).

Common symptoms of OTS include extended fatigue, poor sleep quality, low energy, persistent muscle soreness, and mood swings, according to the HSS.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that healthy adults get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise per week.