One of the great things about being a trainer is helping people become fit, of course. I love my job, and everyday brings about another reason to be happy about the work I do.
Today, for example, I walked into Butterfly Life or a session with one of the clients that I’ve been training for a few months now. When she started, she knew nothing about what strength machines could help her, how to use free weights, how to do a proper sit up. It only took her a few sessions before she knew the proper way to do these things. And I couldn’t be happier for her. There is no substitute, in my mind, for working out the “right” way. That’s what I’m here to show you.
One of the worst things about being a trainer, for me, is watching people at the gym on machines or free weights, and know that they don’t really know what they’re doing. Their form is all off, or they’re simply not doing an exercise the right way. It makes me so concerned that they are going to hurt themselves – hey, it happens. You probably know someone who has complained of pulling or tearing a muscle from exercise.
So I can’t stress enough the importance of learning proper form in your workout endeavors. Even if you can’t afford to have a personal trainer, I encourage you to go to online websites that will show you the right way to do things, whether on the strength machines, free weights, or yes, even on the cardio machines. Here are a few basic pointers, though, to keep in mind when you’re working out:
If you’re on a cardio machine, don’t slouch, or hang on to the equipment for support or assistance. I see slouching all the time on the Stairmaster and treadmill, and that isn’t good for your back. Stand up straight. And if you find that you’re tired and are starting to slouch and need to hang on for support, stop what you’re doing and take a short break. If you’re still tired when you get back on, maybe you need to wait and build up to that level of exercise without having the need for support.
If the cardio machine you’re using has a seat, such as a recumbent bike or a stationary bike, make sure the seat is adjusted to your height. Proper set up of these machines is also essential to get the most out of your workout.
When you’re on weight machines, try to keep your posture as straight as possible. Great control of your posture really is the name of the game here, and lift and lower the weights in smooth, controlled motions. The seat and adjustments of weight machines should be altered for your specific height. A lot of these machines also have several ways to lift the weights, so again, its best that for each machine you’re in the know about which ones work and which might actually end up being dangerous for you, especially if you have any preexisting injuries.
While free weight training, correct form is even more important as your body has no support whatsoever. Again, good straight posture is key when lifting the weight. Your body should not be able to move from side to side, and your legs should be bent at the knees just a little bit, so you’re more stable. If you find that your body is swinging or swaying from side to side when lifting, you’re lifting too much. Proper breathing is also important here to help facilitate your body’s ability to lift.
These are just the basics, of course. But hopefully I’ve expressed enough to you the utter importance of using great form in any kind of exercise you do. It truly can make all the difference in the world, from achieving your fitness goals to being sidelined from an injury. Please go do your research on this today!
