As a personal trainer in San Mateo, I have seen countless clients who come to our facility for help or rehab after having suffered injuries on their own. These injuries can range from minor strains to serious tears and can impede progress and even result in long-term damage. In this blog post, I will discuss the importance of proper form in muscle building and provide tips on how to avoid injuries.
Proper form is essential in muscle building because it ensures that the right muscles are being targeted during exercises. When proper form is not used, other muscles may compensate, leading to imbalances and potential injuries. For example, when doing a bicep curl, if the form is not correct, the shoulders may be used instead of the biceps, leading to a shoulder injury.
Proper form also helps to maximize the effectiveness of exercises. According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, proper form results in greater muscle activation and therefore greater muscle growth (1). In addition, proper form can increase the efficiency of exercises, allowing for more work to be done in less time. So, how can you ensure proper form during muscle-building exercises? Here are a few tips:
- Learn the correct form: Before beginning any exercise, take the time to learn the correct form. This can be done by consulting a personal trainer, researching online, or watching videos of the exercise being performed correctly.
- Use mirrors or video yourself: Using mirrors or recording yourself can help you to see and correct any form mistakes you may be making.
- Start with a lighter weight: It is better to start with a lighter weight and perfect your form before increasing the weight.
- Focus on control: Rather than lifting as much weight as possible, focus on control and proper form during each rep.
- Listen to your body: If an exercise feels uncomfortable or causes pain, stop and re-evaluate your form.
It is also important to note that proper form is not only essential during muscle-building exercises but also during warm-ups and cool-downs. A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that a proper warm-up can decrease the risk of injury by up to 50% (2).
In conclusion, proper form is essential in muscle building as it ensures that the right muscles are being targeted and maximizes the effectiveness of exercises. By learning correct form, using mirrors or video, starting with a lighter weight, focusing on control, listening to your body, and warming up properly, you can avoid injuries and achieve your muscle-building goals.
And remember, always consult with a personal trainer, like myself, to ensure that you are using the correct form and avoiding injuries. At Holly Roser Fitness, we are dedicated to helping you reach your fitness goals while avoiding injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving your muscle-building goals with proper form and techniques. Let our team of experienced personal trainers guide you on your journey to a healthier and stronger you.
References:
- Schoenfeld, B. J., Contreras, B., Tiryaki-Sonmez, G., Peterson, M. D., & Sonmez, G. T. (2015). Regional differences in muscle activation during hamstrings exercises. Journal of Strength and conditioning research / National Strength & Conditioning Association, 29(7), 1818-1825.
- Askling, C., Karlsson, J., & Thorstensson, A. (2003). Hamstring injury occurrence in elite soccer players after preseason strength training with eccentric overload. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 13(4), 244-250.
