We’re honored to host another guest post from one of our awesome Fit Body Family members—Ryan Perez! Ryan talks about the importance of working out with the right form, including the dangers of bad form and the benefits of good form.
In the world of fitness, exercise form is among the most discussed topics you’ll find. For some, great form comes naturally, but to many, it takes practice, repetition and the mindset to never give up because you’ll eventually get it.
Form is so important for both injury prevention and our fitness journey progression, but the only time it’s usually brought up is when others give unsolicited advice. Why don’t we break the mold and dive into why form is crucial for fitness success!
What exactly is “proper form”?
Proper form is the use of proper body mechanics to perform exercises in a safe, efficient manner. Form is subjective based on the exercise you’re performing, the muscles you work out during exercise, and your imbalances, strengths, and weaknesses.
Although there are some aspects of form that remain the same regardless of the lift you do—such as keeping a neutral spine—there are other factors that play a large role in keeping that perfect form during exercises. These include range of motion, angle of movement, etc.
What if someone doesn’t have correct form?
The worst-case scenario is undoubtedly an injury.
Injury during exercise doesn’t only refer to one-time accidents that leave people out of the gym and inactive for a couple of days. It can also refer to a long-term history of aches and pains, which could significantly alter your fitness journey.
When we lift improperly, our body finds a way to compensate. This is what most commonly leads to body weakness and, in turn, injury and imbalance.
Here’s an example: imagine someone’s job or daily life requires them to lift a lot of things off of the floor. For years, they’ve gotten into the bad habit of using their back instead of their legs when lifting up from the floor.
The body will start to adapt to the constant stresses on the back instead of the legs (if they haven’t injured their back already).
Some muscles become overstretched, while others become relaxed; both are in a state of weakness. With this constant tension and weakness, it’s only a matter of time before the body gives in to injury when lifting something heavy off of the floor (something you’d think the body would be used to) with improper form.
How can I learn proper form?
Fitness and exercise professionals are the ones you should be going to for advice. They are educated and have the best understanding of form, body mechanics, proper range of motion, and more.
When training at Fit Body Boot Camp, the role of the Coach is to make sure everyone is working to their full potential with proper form and technique, all while ensuring safety and gradual progression throughout workouts. These Coaches are there to help you, push you, and, most importantly, train you.
Your Fit Body Boot Camp Trainer is always available and ready for questions about proper form, how to modify exercises, and little tips and hints on how to get that proper form. Don’t ever be afraid to ask them, as they are the key to your success and safety!
Ryan Perez
Regional Director of Corporate Accounts – SIMA Fitness Groups (owners of McAllen and Brownsville Fit Body Boot Camps)
Trainer – McAllen Fit Body Boot Camp
