What is proper technique
Hi everyone! Hope you're having a good start to the week!
I was in the gym this morning and a member approached me and asked me about 'good technique' and if I could help him with squats. Me being me, I couldn't pass up the chance to talk to a fellow member about anything to do with fitness, so I helped him out and demonstrated a good squat technique and explained how important good technique is to his training.
So, what is the point of proper technique?
Well, first of all it will save you and your body a lot of pain and discomfort! A friend of mine really hurt his lower back due to poor technique and still gives him a lot of pain now.
The most common reason people do not lift weights correctly is that they lift more than they are capable of. Proper technique will take time and so will the increase of weight/repetition. However, if you do not use proper technique with the warm-up or light-weight sets, you won't be able to lift the heavier weights later on with good form.
While you should always aim to train as heavily as possible with resistance training and as highly intensive as possible with HIIT training, you must also perform the exercises using good form. Poor form may allow you to lift more or make it easier for you to perform a certain exercise and therefore boost your ego, however, it will stop you from developing your desired physique and will more often than not result in injury.
So what does 'proper technique' entail?
Slowing down rep speed - By slowing down your exercise rep, you will be putting the target muscle under more strain, therefore using it to its full capacity. If you rush through it, your form will suffer and the exercise wasted.
Maintaining your 'core' - Having a 'good core' is essential in every exercise you perform. You need to make sure that your 'core' section is tight and centred, so any exercise you are performing, your foundation is solid. For example. Say you are performing a press-up: Your arms start off straight and bend at the elbow, lowering your chest to the floor. Your whole body must be lowered for the exercise to be effective. If you didn't engage your core, it will make the exercise 10 times more difficult to perform, as only your arms will be moving and core section will not be tight.
Full range of movement - Using full range of movement (ROM), you are less likely to become injured and use the targeted muscle to its full capacity. Your body will always take the easy route when it comes to something difficult if you let it. Don't take short cuts.
Don't run before you can walk - If the guy or girl next to you is lifting more or running faster, don't try to keep up with them - They are at a different place in their fitness journey. Only lift or run to your limit. Don't lift more than you are capable of. This will only result in injury.
The risks of not using improper technique out-weigh the benefits.
What would you rather - lift less weight, run a little slower or become injured and not exercise for a few weeks….
Hope to speak to you all soon,
In best of health,
Mike
