Proper Form Will Make All The Difference

This month’s blog I wanted to focus on the importance of doing exercise correctly. You would be amazed with the number of clients that come to train with me, with so many bad habits. They were unaware that their habits had been affecting their results. When it comes to working out, quality is far more important than quantity. How you lift and how you run, jump or squat may mean the difference between toned legs or taking time off your sprint. Perfecting form will boost performance, conserve energy and most importantly reduce injuries over time.

Top Benefits of getting it right:

Benefit One:

Why work harder when you can work smarter? Proper form helps you work out more efficiently so you can use your energy for the extra push rather than wasted movements.

Benefit Two:

Correct form and technique in weight training improves your strength and muscle tone. Great form will also help you attain a healthy weight. Aside from which exercises to perform and how much weight to use, the form you use will help determine how productive your sessions are.

Benefit Three:

Improper form may mean you are targeting unintended muscles or muscle groups. You might be hoping to tone up your legs but poor squat technique could increase the size of your bum and mean you are walking around like a duck. The better your form the better your results.

Benefit Four:

Proper form means you are doing the same thing the same way every time. Mixing it up is great in many places but not with things like bicep curls. Your form must be consistent for continued strengthening, toning and performance.

Benefit Five:

Good form helps you breathe deeper, filling your lungs and supports better oxygen intake. That means extra wind beneath your workout wings. You’ll fly higher. That’s right you should be hearing in your head “I believe I can Fly”. By R Kelly.

Benefit Six:

Poor form increases the risk of injuries there is another danger. Incorrect form may cause equipment related injuries. Kettle bells, weights, plyometric boxes and jump ropes are all prime sources of injury. Remember to focus on quality (low weights, low reps) over quantity while you master form. If you are ever in doubt on how to use a piece of equipment, please ask a member of staff at your gym.

Proper form, however, is not about improving your selfie in the gym. I’m not about increasing your likes. You need to exercise correctly to get the intended benefit and stay healthy. We can all add a nice filter to a picture and tag ourselves in the local gym – this sadly won’t get you results.

Many of my client’s train with me between 2 – 4 times a week. This is hard work on their bodies and therefore I have focus on their form, stretching and recovery to ensure my clients can keep up with their training schedules.

Proper form takes some work. Ideally, work with a qualified fitness specialist, even if it’s just at the beginning to learn correct form. He or she can monitor your movements and reposition your body as needed until the correct form becomes second nature, this is how I work with my clients in every session. However, when a trainer is not available consider using a mirror to observe your form. Go slowly and make corrections as needed. Alternatively, you can view recordings of your performance and ask an expert to offer critique and feedback.

A few last words…Even after you have mastered proper form for your sport, check in with a trainer like myself periodically for feedback. Things like injuries and exhaustion can erode form. It is better to get back on track as soon as possible and this is where I can help.

Let's make sure you are training to your full capacity.

Get in touch today to see how I can help.

Thanks,

Brad Gray.