Is Improper Form holding you back?
Written for www.homegymshops.com
Do you ever ache super bad after working out? Maybe you have improper form. This could be the reason why it hurts extra after every workout and it takes you a few extra days to regain the agility to workout again.
Bad technique can be found at every gym! If you are not doing it correctly you are risking injury. Using the wrong muscles or straining the joints due to improper form can make a huge difference. Here are few great examples of improper forms.
1. Not Squatting Low Enough:
If you're not squatting to parallel or below, you're limiting the strength and size you could potentially build in your legs and your range of motion. You can also hurt your knees because the force of the barbell won't shift onto your hips until you reach parallel.
2. Elbows too high on bench press:
Don't flare your elbows when you bench. When you point them directly out to the sides, you put to much stress on your shoulder joints and cause injuries! It can also make exercise harder because the bar has to travel more distance when you stick out your elbows.
3. Use your legs when you bench:
If you get stuck doing bench presses, do not ever start flailing your legs. It wastes power and means you weren't tight enough when you started. Before you bench press, drive your feet into the ground while keeping your butt on the bench at all times. This will tighten your lower body and boost your stability and strength.
4. Arch Back as you push overhead:
It is very frequent when you see guys bend backward as they push overhead. This is because they want to tilt their chest up as to mimic an incline bench press. This will put stress on the joints. It can also cause serious injury. Make sure to arch your back as you push overhead.
5. Poor neck positioning:
Oftentimes, guys bend their neck backwards while exercising. This strains your cervical spine. Instead, pack your neck, point your chin down slightly and make a double chin. Do not change your neck position.
There are many other improper forms in the gym. Make sure you have a trainer watch you to point out any other improper forms!