Cleaning Up Your Technique

So I'm at the gym last Saturday doing a set of upper body exercises. It was a good session. In fact I felt like I was "maxing out" some of the exercises with the amount of weight I was using, particularly biceps and shoulders. I figured it was time to add on some more weight.

I certainly could have gotten away with it. I believed I'd be able to lift with the increased weight, but I'd have to use momentum to make it happen.

Every weightlifter knows using momentum is a no-no. It's cheating. You lose much of the benefit of the exercise, even though your ego may enjoy the idea of a bigger number on the barbell or machine.

So I made a decision. I chose to use the same amount of weight, but slow the reps down. I wanted to ensure my technique was just right. Elbows in, slower on the decline, correct breathing and focus.

What I found is that the muscles were much more fatigued this way. It was a much better exercise. The benefits of working out this way compared to more weight but sloppier technique was huge!

NOW....let's talk about YOU!

You may or may not be an exercise person. But you're surely looking to get better at whatever it is you do. You may reach some outside goal that gives you a sense of achievement - even recognition from others.

Just ask yourself this...is it built on shortcuts?

Are you solid?

Are you secure in who you are and what you've got?

Think about it.

As Akeem the Personal Trainer says, "Foundation Is All."

And as they say on the street corners, "Check yourself before you wreck yourself."

Your Mighty Mighty Pal,
Larryn