In our society, there’s this notion that if we are doing something good then more is better. For example, there is research showing that if you take a vitamin D supplement, it can aid in reducing high blood pressure.
Many then end up thinking, well if I take more vitamin D it will lower my blood pressure even further.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work this way. There is always room to overdo things, and there are consequences. One of the side effects of taking too much vitamin D is vomiting, which no one really wants.
In terms of fitness, there is this trend that you will see no matter what gym you walk into. You see people try to do more work (i.e. reps, sets, weight) without paying any attention to the proper technique. Their focus is on quantity not quality.
Photo Credit: http://www.personalbrandingblog.com/personal-branding-interview-greg-verdino/
Just like taking too much vitamin D can lead to problems, so can lifting weights with terrible form. You can injury yourself or develop poor movement, which can be problematic in the long run.
The focus must always be on quality. The brain has this unique ability to remember and access certain tasks that it is exposed to repeatedly. If you are giving it constant exposure to proper movement then you will move better. But the opposite applies as well.
When you move better you feel better. It allows you to do things that you previously might not have been able to do before. It helps keep you safe and injury free.
This is why quality matters. I would rather have someone perform 3 reps with excellent technique than 12 reps with sub-par technique.
Learning the fundamental movement patterns should be the number one priority, especially if the individual has never lifted weights before. People need to learn to control their own body first. Do you think someone could control 300 pounds on their back if they can’t even do one perfect body weight squat?
And yet, what do most people (especially guys) do? They load the bar up and let their knees cave in, their back round, their heels come off the floor, etc. All they are worried about is how much weight they can “lift”.
Technique should always be mastered first before you add a lot of external weight. Vince Lombardi said, “Practice does not make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect”.
That is so true with anything in life. If you want to get better at doing something, then you must do it better than the previous day. That is why quality matters.
So, when you go to the gym think about quality first. There is no need to rush things. Get the technique down then add weight.
This will not only keep you safer when lifting, but it will also help you feel better and get stronger than ever before.
If you are looking for a personal trainer in Savannah, contact me to set up a consultation.
And if you found any of this information helpful, or know of someone it could help please share with others!
