What did you do in your first year of training that you wish you didn't?

[markievicz]

I wouldn't have ignored the importance of squat and deadlifting . I also wish that I educated myself in weight training in the first year instead of going 100miles an hour in the wrong direction

[Mr.Silverback]

nothing, because I have/am enjoying the journey...it has been nothing short of inspiring and If I could write a book about my lifting life I would hope that it would inspire others to educate themselves further. Sure I have had my share of injuries and setbacks, but everyone of those mishaps lead to much bigger progression.

[ricka182]

For me, 2 things stick out the most..

Not paying attention to form and technique.
Not paying attention to the big 3 lifts.

I didn't start benching with any seriousness until just a few years ago. Same with Squats and Deads. If I went to a gym, it was always curls, leg presses, and tricep pushdowns.

Oh, never enough cardio. I still hate it now, but I know if it was something I did with routine, I'd be in much better shape, both cardio and muscle wise.

[Kuytrider]

First 12 months? Try first few years! Probably going too far to say that I have basically wasted years of potential progress but I have made every mistake in the book up until now. I am still making mistakes but they are slowly being eradicated. My rap sheet:

Not doing compounds enough
Not eating enough of the right food
Being scared of heavy weights lest I get injured
Not doing enough cardio
Insane inconsistency
Making excuses

[5kgLifter]

I wish I'd purchased a barbell a lot earlier on because there is so much more that can be done with one, in terms of strength alone.

[Off Road]

The routine I started with was absolutely brilliant. My only regret is straying from it too soon.

[big_swede]

First time I started to lift I was 18. I did isolation lifts and did not train my lowerbody or my back at all. This went on for about 8 months then i quit.

If i had the knowledge i have today, and the T levels and beginner potential I had then, i think I could have worked wonders... =)

[Fazc]

For the bulk of my first year this was my routine:

Day 1: Squat, Partial Deadlift
Day 2: Dip, Chin, Press

I usually trained 2 or 3 times per week. I also stuffed my face and gained 50lbs, obviously not all muscle but it got me strong. I wouldn't have done much different, except perhaps slow down a little on the weight gain.

[Shadowschmadow]

I wish I had understood the importance of balance. However, we live and we learn so I don't necessarily regret doing what I did.

[MikeM]

I'm in my first year of a real serious strength building routine, and I wish I would focus more on technique rather than weight.

Oh, but adding weight is so alluring.....3 plates? lovely. I'll take two of those.