Are you doing your workout moves the right way? Learn about the most common workout move mistakes and how to correct them here!
10 Workout Moves You Might Be Doing Wrong
1. Barbell Bicep Curls
One common mistake when doing barbell curls is using your hips to swing the weight up to the top. We see a lot of people trying to lift a weight that is obviously too heavy for them to curl. When doing barbell bicep curls, remember to keep your elbows tucked in at your sides. Also, don’t use the momentum to swing the weight. Solely use your biceps to slowly curl the barbell up.
2. Barbell Squats
When doing barbell squats, it’s either you go low or you go home. Performing half-assed squats not only hinders your leg muscle growth, but it may also damage your knees. The proper starting position is to keep your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and eyes locked forward. Continue to lower your body until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground.
3. Bench Press
The bench press is one of the most popular exercises among gym-goers, yet it is one of the workout moves with weights where people can get injured because of improper form. Sadly, there are people who force themselves to lift heavy weights by sacrificing proper form. Remember that when doing the bench press, lower the weight until the bar is only two to three inches away from your chest. The quality of reps will always be more important than the amount of weight you are lifting.
4. Push-Ups
To do a proper push-up, you need to keep your back straight, feet together, and hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Don’t let your back curve as you move up and down. Remember to keep it straight all throughout the exercise.
5. Stability-Ball Chest Press
Many gym-goers let their waist hang down off the stability ball while doing this exercise. However, you need to keep your body parallel to the ground all throughout this exercise. If done properly, it’s one of the best workout moves to improve your strength and balance.
6. Front Shoulder Raises
Many fitness buffs make the mistake of raising their arms too high when doing front shoulder raises. The proper way to do this exercise is to keep your arms straight and raise them until they’re parallel to the ground. Do not raise them too high because it lessens the tension on your shoulders.
7. Plank
If done properly, the plank is one of the best workout moves for abs. To do a plank the right way, keep your body straight all throughout this exercise. Do not let your back curve or arch as the exercise progresses. Also, remember to contract your abs as tight as you can while planking.
8. Single-Arm Back Row
When performing back workout moves like these, use your biceps and triceps as little as possible. To do the single-arm back row properly, keep your back straight all throughout the exercise. Do not rotate it or use momentum to lift the weight upward. Instead, relax your arms and use your back muscles to pull the dumbbell up to the side of your chest.
9. Deadlifts
Deadlifts are one of the best strength-training workout moves you can do. However, performing it incorrectly may lead to painful injuries such as a slipped disc. When doing deadlifts, don’t curve your back downward. Instead, let it arch naturally while keeping your eyes locked forward. Also, remember to use your legs to lift the weight off the ground, not your lower back.
10. Triceps Dips
For targeting the triceps, this exercises is worthy of a spot in your bodyweight workout plan. When performing triceps dips, remember to keep your legs straight in front of you and to keep your butt and back as close to the bench as possible. Do not overextend your body away from the bench as this puts unnecessary tension on your shoulders.
Watch the video below and learn to maximize your training using 5 simple tips:
These are just some of the workout moves many gym-goers perform incorrectly. While doing any exercise, always keep in mind that quality will always outweigh quantity. Don’t be in a hurry to use weights that are too heavy for you. Increase the volume of your workout at a pace you’re comfortable with. And always, always remember, proper form is of utmost priority.
Are you guilty of committing any of these workout move mistakes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
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