Watch Your Form
When it comes to actually executing any movements, correct form is absolutely essential. Not only will you not reap the benefits, but doing an exercise incorrectly can lead to injury.“Every movement is a beautiful thing, but not everyone performs movements beautifully,” Aiello said.
When it comes to actually executing any movements, correct form is absolutely essential. Not only will you not reap the benefits, but doing an exercise incorrectly can lead to injury.
When lifting, for example, Aiello said he tells clients to make sure that shoulders stay pinned back, your back stays flat, and you keep your feet flat on the floor.
Bones said incorrect form is the number one problem he sees.
“The issue is mis-education,” he said. “Results and injury prevention are the goals of exercise, but people have the habit of thinking they know everything instead of picking the brain of an exercise professional. Meeting with a trainer once every couple of weeks is better than working out with an ineffective plan or lack thereof.”
Ask a Trainer
Like Bones said, trainers have the knowledge you might be looking for, and they can be your ticket to an injury-free workout. Maybe you want to know if your back is too arched during a movement or maybe you’re unsure if you should be attempting squats after ACL surgery. Either way, ask a trainer before going any farther.
“The biggest mistake I see being made in the gym, regardless of the age of the offender, is thinking they don’t need to ask for help,” Aiello said. “The male ego is one hell of a pain in the butt when it comes to healthy movement. If you don’t know what you’re doing, ask!”