Going into “auto-pilot” when working out can be very dangerous – your form suffers, your focus isn’t there, and your attention to detail is reduced. We very your workouts, catch you off guard, and change up the routine to ensure you do not go into auto-pilot mode! For those of you who have done a certain exercise for a long time, whether it be Pilates, TRX, or anything else, you know the exercises, you know the breathing, you know the muscles being worked, but do you put those thoughts on the back burner or are they ever present during each movement?
Every once in a while a client tells me “It’s not hard enough” or “I don’t feel anything”, but if you really watch your form, focus your attention to the muscular connections and bodily movements, you will feel everything, and might even have to back off on the resistance or weight to continue!
AS A GENERAL RULE, THE MINUTE YOUR FORM SUFFERS, STOP THE EXERCISE.
Then reduce the range of motion, adjust resistance, or choose a slightly less challenging modification. Modifications does not mean easier, and does not mean you won’t feel the work, it mean you are working within your level for that day to achieve the most out of the exercise without potential injury! Do not hesitate to let your instructor know you need a modification and do not compare that need to others in the class.
WHY IS FORM SO IMPORTANT WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO BUILD STRENGTH?
Form indicates that all levels of muscles are working correctly. If your form gets messy that indicates that the deepest levels of muscles are not doing their part to manage the joint alignment. You will continue to have muscular imbalances that can lead to overuse injuries or strain in the body. Gain a strong foundation and build from there – strength will follow! More than that we are training our brains – if you don’t have time to do it right, how will you have time to relearn and rid yourself of bad habits?
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CONTINUE TO DO AN EXERCISE WITH BAD FORM?
Well, not only do you risk injury but you may actually be training the wrong muscles to do a job they were not designed to do. Over time this can lead to a whole host of problems. No one wants to be injured – it sets you back far more than listening to your body and moving forward at a potentially slower pace.
