7 Things Trainers Want to Tell You But Don't
Take their unsolicited advice to get the results you want faster
Imagine typing an email with your elbows. You could probably do it, but it would be riddled with typos and take about three times longer than if you'd stuck to the standard finger-tapping technique. My point: To get a job done in the least amount of time, using improper form doesn’t really make sense. The same is true for your workout.
Proper exercise form is not only critical for getting the body-shaping results you want, it’s also extremely important for staying pain- and injury-free. The good news is that a few small changes to your routine can help maximize every minute you spend in the gym. Trainers know this, and they want to tell you, but since not everyone appreciates unsolicited advice, they often bite their tongues. Here, seven things they’re thinking—every single day. Listen up!
When it happens: Squats.
Why it's bad: By not going down far enough in a squat, you miss out on engaging all the muscles in your legs, butt, and core. And the fewer muscles you work, the fewer calories you burn. At the lowest point of your squat, your thighs should be parallel to the ground.
How to fix it: Stand in front of a chair or bench and do a few practice squats, pushing your hips back and lowering down until you’re almost sitting. This will help you learn what proper squat form feels like. Focus on keeping your weight in your heels and your chest up (you should be able to read any text on your shirt in the mirror). With proper form, you’ll work the right muscles and shape lean legs and a tight butt faster.
