When Exercising Right Looks Wrong

For most of us we live in a black and white world. Good vs. evil, right vs. wrong. For a few of us the shade of grey is more appealing. In the world of fitness and exercise most people, novice and advanced exercisers (athletes) there is generally a correct and incorrect way to exercise. Just as in any other specialty or business there is much research that goes into doing the right thing from the wrong thing. There are consequences from doing the wrong thing and rewards from doing the right thing.

In fitness and exercise there are a scant few of us that understand the right way to exercise from the wrong way to exercise. Much research is done and continues to be done and interpreted on the correct way to exercise, the beast way to fire the muscle or the fastest way to burn fat. But there is a very scary reality at play here. There is so much miss-information and so many accepted ways to do things, the wrong way, that when you see people doing the proper exercises it looks wrong to you.

But you are not at fault. Coaches, Trainers and other people that should know better have swayed you to the dark side. A thought process called gym science prevails. Gym science is not science at all, it simply states that if that fit or pretty person over there is doing that exercise it must work, never mind that the exercise they are performing is dangerous and injurious. To further sway your thought process exercise machine manufactures continue to make new and fancy machines to place in the gym or your home. These machines generally force you to move in a specific pattern, this pattern conversely is horribly damaging to your joints and is posturally inefficient. Why do we continue to recommend the same exercises that hurt us.

It shock's me that Personal Trainers continue to recommend dangerous exercises to random people in the gym with absolutely no regard for the consequences of those exercises. There is not a day that goes by that I do not have people in the gym stare at me performing "correct" exercises. I must look like an alien, what strange exercise am I performing on one leg. Why am I not jerking the weight or using momentum, or swinging. Why do I never use the seated machines but I sure hog the cable machines that allow me to stand and do not control my movements, I control my movements. Right exercise is so right it looks wrong.

Yet for some reason trainers do not keep up with science and research. Only a few certifications require any con-ed and much of it is through that certifying company. If you are a trainer reading this, read. Read anything and everything pertaining to fitness, wellness, biomechanics and kinesiology. It must be research based and unbiased studies and articles from experts in their field. Go to seminars often. Muscle and Fitness, Men's health and Self do not count. If you are an exerciser or athlete try to find a trainer with current certifications that require con-ed, preferably a four year degree and when in doubt ask for references or a resume. Go online and research that trainers fitness certification.

I challenge everyone to open up to new exercises, we open ourselves to new technology daily. Technology has allowed us to better understand the body and what exercises are safe and effective vs. what we did in the past with no real reason why, but hey that big guy did it so it must work!

Bryan Fass, BA, ATCL, CSCS, NREMT-P

Bryan Fass holds a bachelors in sports medicine, is a Certified / Licensed Athletic Trainer, Nationally Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Nationally Registered Paramedic. Bryan is also a highly skilled soft tissue and Myofascial Release therapist, And has over 10 years of experience in clinical and fitness settings.

Precision Fitness is an advanced personal fitness, corrective exercise, post-rehabilitation, and sports performance facility with locations in Cornelius and Mooresville. http://www.lakenormanfitness.com

---

7 Reasons To Start Up With an Exercise Program

Most of us need to follow an exercise program. This... Read More

Get Moving...The Benefits Will Last a Lifetime!

The benefits of physical activity are numerous and very well... Read More

Exercise Program

The exercise program you choose depends entirely on your fitness... Read More

Exercising for life ? The magic is in the synergy!

Synergy: the working together of two or more things, people,... Read More

Should You Train Before Bedtime?

A Japanese study found that if you exercise at night... Read More

A Great Way To Spice Up Your Workouts -- Interval Training

There's been a lot of buzz recently about Interval Training.... Read More

Tips To Deal with Exercise Induced Asthma

For approximately 80-90% of people that suffer from asthma, exercise... Read More

Stay Mentally Focused When Training

When you decide to exercise, try to really stick to... Read More

6 Things A Norwegian Fable Teaches Us About Healthy Perseverance Part 2

4. Ideas, goals and dreams have a shelf life. The... Read More

How To Get Started With Exercise: The Magic Pill Of Your Weight Loss Program

In a previous article, I mentioned the weight loss mantra... Read More

Warning! Lack Of Exercise Could Be Harmful To Your Health

You know it's bad when the Surgeon General issues a... Read More

Use an Exercise Training Diary to Keep Your Workouts on Track

A road map is a very handy tool when you're... Read More

Thirty Minutes of Exercise a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

"Exercise is good for you!" If you had a dollar... Read More

When Exercising Right Looks Wrong

For most of us we live in a black and... Read More

5 Ways to Fit Fitness In

Five points to consider when you want to fit fitness... Read More

How to Choose a Good Jogging Stroller

If you lead an active lifestyle and you want to... Read More

Wise Up and Invest in Your Workout Success - Six Top Fitness Faux Pas

Already dedicated exercisers make small but costly mistakes regularly in... Read More

Programming Brief: Exercise Order

One of the fundamental principles of exercise prescription, specifically resistance... Read More

Best Abdominal Exercises to Get the Sexy Six Pack You Deserve

The key to getting those sexy abdominals lies mainly on... Read More

Sweating Vacation

It seems like everyone is concerned about putting on the... Read More

Interval Training

Are you in an exercise rut? Do you want to... Read More

Forget Exercise - Go Play

Can't seem to get the energy or motivation to exercise?... Read More

Exercise and Kids: The Difference between Training Children and Adults!

The greatest mistake a person can make when exercising with... Read More

Exercise Tips

Exercise TipsThe most effective exercise regimen includes both strength training... Read More

The Great Forgotten Exercise -- Parallel Bar Dips

When it comes to building lower pectorals, triceps and frontal... Read More

10 Workout Mistakes Cheaters Make

"When I'm lifting free weights, I tend to go pretty... Read More

4 Steps To More Effective Aerobic, Streching, and Weight Training Exercise

We all know that well-balanced diets include the different nutrients... Read More

How to Pick a Good Personal Trainer

One of the major benefits of the YourBestBodyNOW Program and... Read More

Speed Training With Intensity - Bound To Get Faster

Bounding can be a great addition to your high intensity... Read More

Bodybuilding, Weight Loss, and Exercise Tips ? Goal Setting for Long Term Results

My name is Greg Ryan. I am a fitness expert,... Read More

The New Lover Approach to Starting an Exercise Program

Approach a New Exercise Program Like a New LoverHow many... Read More

Home Gyms with Free Weights

Having your own home gym with free weights is not... Read More

Exercise: How To Keep Your Kids Moovin and Groovin

One out of five American kids is obese and the... Read More