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

---

Calf Cramps - How To Get More Gain For Less Pain!

I cannot imagine that there is anyone past the age of about 10, that has never had calf cramps. Let's face it, they are horrible. From having... Read More

Exercise Equals Fun!

Getting America's children to exercise has never been more difficult as the new boob-tube generation slouches in front of TVs, or sits for hours, mesmerized behind shoot-out... Read More

Six Simple Strategies to Turn Your Walks into Workouts

If You are already fitness walking several times a week ? great! Now its time to step it up a bit. Here are 6 ways to turn... Read More

Take a Break

Writing is a strenuous creative activity, and like physical activity it produces fatigue that requires rejuvenation and renewal, so when the mind is blocked, it is time... Read More

The Abs... More Important Than You Think

What comes to your mind when I say the word "abs"? Do you think of the infomercials advertising "6 second abs" or the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit... Read More

What is the Right Home Exercise Program for You?

What do you want to get out of the exercise program?What you want to achieve as a whole fitness program has to do with the kind of... Read More

Debunking the Myth of Spot Reduction

Do you ever wonder how to shrink the fat on your thighs or reduce the flab on the back of your arms? Ever wake and up and... Read More

Warming Up Properly

In our 'Stretching' article series (http://optimumlife.co.nz/Fitness%20Articles/Stretching/Stretching1.htm), we discussed why it's important to stretch as part of your workout. We also touched on the importance of warming up... Read More

Metabolism: How to Increase Your Metabolic Rate?

Metabolism is a process by which the body burns the calories and convert them into useful energy. High metabolic rate uses up the energy stored in the... Read More

The Truth About Exercise and Why Its Not Always Good for You!

Exercise is often regarded as a panacea for many things..."if you want to lose weight, you must exercise"; "if you want to get those feel good endoprhins... Read More

Diet and Exercise ? Without Going to the Gym

Exercising and dieting are tasks that are very difficult for many of us, but usually just the thought of it that makes us queasy. There are some... Read More

Sport

In our modern day society we have moved away from walking anywhere and think nothing of jumping into the car for a quick trip to the corner... Read More

Strength Training FAQs

Do you need some beginner's strength training 'how to' information? I know you must have tons of questions. I will try my best to cover most of... Read More

Weight Loss, Bodybuilding, and Exercise Tips ? Keeping Your Body-fat Low; Part 1 of 10

Ever go to a party and wish you were the guy/girl that was considered the life of the party? They just seem to work every part of... Read More

A Fitness Mothers Time

So you've been a mother for a while. Good for you, mothers are important. I know I have one! But you know what? I've seen my mother... Read More

Exercise and the Time Clock

I have to admit that I sometimes find it amusing when someone knows I am a trainer and proceeds to elaborate on the hours that they spend... Read More

How to Get The Most From Your Home Workouts

A recent study found that home workouts may do even more good than workouts at a gym. This is good news for people who are time crunched... Read More

Arthritis Exercise ? One Way to Relieve Pain & Stiffness in Your Joints (part 3)

There are three main types of exercises to include in a basic exercise program:Range-of-motion exercises - These lessen stiffness and help with improving flexibility. "Range of motion"... Read More

The New Discovery That Makes It Possible To Get An Effective Workout In Less Time

The Art of Multifunctional TrainingPeople often complain about how they just do not have enough time to spend working out in a gym. It seems every year... Read More

Triathalon Racing, It Starts At The Beginning

Long before you can enter into triathalon racing, you will need to prepare. You will need to prepare your mind and your body for the competition and... Read More

How To Overcome Workout Plateaus

Humans are habitual. They strive on routine and rituals. While it's true that routine can provide a sense of ease and security, I think we'd all agree... Read More

Physical Activity Versus Exercise: Is there a Difference?

Quite often a client will come into the gym discouraged with their exercise program. The common complaint being lack of results. They give a list of activities... Read More

Basic Abdominal Exercises

If it's six pack abs that you're after, daily abdominal exercises are the key to reaching your goal. There are a variety of effective abdominal exercises that... Read More

A 30-minute, Or Less, Full Body Workout

Most people do not have the time to do biceps and back one day, then legs and shoulders the next, then triceps and abdominals the next day.... Read More

Home Gyms with Free Weights

Having your own home gym with free weights is not only convenient but gives you the freedom to work out anytime you want. You save time and... Read More

How to Supercharge Your Energy Levels through Exercise

Your energy levels will depend on several factors, including genetics, nutrition, sleep habits, and emotional stress. Some of these you have no control over But there is... Read More