subject: How Important Is Using Proper Technique In The Gym? [print this page] First, think what your goals areFirst, think what your goals are. Are you a heavy weight looking to bulk up further? Are you trying to lose fat mass? What about your history? Any past injuries? What about previous sports you enjoyed, do you still participate in any? Why did you stop them? As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider, all because every body reacts so differently to the same stimuli, and there are so many different ways that are in fact the 'correct' way for doing a movement, but depend on your goals.
Certain exercises are better for a certain outcome. How many reps should you be doing? What order should you be doing these movements in for the best outcome? Taking on the most popular example of a fitness goal is individuals wanting to exercise to lose fat and tone up. For this, longer, more endurance oriented programs are best. Movements that are not necessarily tough on the joints and use dynamic movements rather than simple unilateral movements. An example of this is doing a series of step work rather than a set of bench pressing. There is a lot to gain from an endurance program like Kathy Smith's Aerobics, a program that focuses on multiple joins and muscle groups at the same time. This promotes an even workout which is simple enough to not have to worry about alternating muscle groups each workout session.
There is a lot to consider in all this, and why not? Our bodies and health are complex machines that learn and adapt to what we command of it. To make things simple, first decide what your goals are. Next, do the research on your own. Search the net and instead of believing any one site or article over another, try and get the general ideas off what you find. Research what methods have worked for other people (and don' t get suckered into any 'magical' new products which claim easy results), remember, its hard work to get what you want, and there are no miracle solutions out there. Also, talk to professionals. At the gym, a sport or athletic therapist, anyone who has some solid training in the health and fitness niches. Last, find what is right for you. The new big thing on the market is home workouts- dvd's that have full and credited training programs that come in series. Just make sure that it is something you really want and that you will maintain motivation for. A big one on the market is Kathy Smith who has a series of successful dvd's, including ones on aerobics, and others that isolate certain body parts- legs, abs, arms, etc.
If you put in the time and effort, you'll be rewarded in results! Don't sell yourself short!
