Fitness From the Pro

I guess I’m just acting as your conscience, by reminding you to ALWAYS use proper lifting techniques. What are the reasons….to avoid injury and to get results!  My website, www.fitnessfromthepro.com reviews proper form for chest, squats and flys.  I’m going to  review what I have seen lately in the gym and in class.

First of all, there are those who like to cross their legs on the bench, when working on the chest press.  I ask why????  Then, I’ll tell you that crossing your legs puts too much stress on the low back.  If you are compelled to lift the legs, go ahead and do so, but DO NOT CROSS them!

Another little observation I see, pertains to the overhead press.  There are those of you, who push the weight overhead and lock your elbows!  Push the weight overhead, get a full range of motion and stop just before locking the elbows.  You’ll keep the stress on the muscles, while reducing the risk of injuring the elbow joints.

Finally,  we’ll talk about the abs.  A few things to be mindful of, when executing a crunch, keep the low back imprinted into the mat.  In fact, to get more of the abdominal muscles active, as you lift your upper body off the mat (shoulders included), simultaneously do a pelvic tilt.  Think of it like, bringing your ribs, to meet the pelvis.  This motion will ensure the low back stays pushed into the mat.  Oh and by the way, DON’T pull on your head or neck while lifting the upper body off the mat.