There’s no question that regular exercise combined with healthy eating are important habits to pursue. However, something you can’t overlook is the importance of your form and technique when you work out. What you may not realize is that form and technique aren’t the same.
Technique refers to the way you perform a specific exercise to target a certain muscle group. An example would be bench pressing using a wide or close grip. These are techniques you can use to target your chest muscles.
On the other hand, form is about preventing injuries when you work out. An example is ensuring you don’t lean back or use your neck when lifting the weight while doing bicep curls.
If you don’t use the proper technique, the results won’t be as good as they should be. However, improper form can harm your body and make it more difficult to reach your fitness goals.
If you’re still not convinced that proper form and technique are important, consider some of the effects caused by ignoring these things.
Injuries
For many people, the most detrimental effect of not using the right technique is the potential for injury. You may be injured when additional strain is put on your body because you’re using muscle groups you weren’t targeting.
You may believe that adding more weight or doing additional reps will result in faster gains, but if you do this without using the right technique, your risk of injury increases significantly. On the other hand, doing fewer reps using the right form helps you see results more quickly.
Subpar Results
If you work harder, you expect to see results sooner. However, just because you spend hours in the gym doesn’t mean you’ll see the results you were hoping for. If you have just an hour to go to the gym, make sure you use the proper form. This helps you achieve better results than using poor form. With the right form, you can gain strength without straining your body.
If you’re struggling with getting the proper technique, it may be wise to hire a personal trainer or consult a friend with experience. This person can help motivate you and show you the right way to do specific exercises to achieve the desired fitness results.
Proper Form and Technique Matter When Working Out
If you want the best shot of achieving your fitness goals, using the proper form and technique is a good idea. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult a professional who can help you with this.
