Why is proper form important? Why do I always say go slower and do correct technique? Read on to find out why proper technique is important when exercising and why using the wrong technique could prevent your progress.

The first and most important reason to make sure you use proper technique is to prevent injuries. If you do not use proper technique you may put extra pressure on muscles, joints and tendons that could lead to strains or worse. It could also lead to imbalances in your muscles that lead to long term injuries. The majority of injuries that people get during exercise (such as back or knee injuries) are due to poor technique.

The second reason that correct form is important is that it ensures that the exercise targets the correct muscles that you want to train. You do certain exercises to train certain muscles. However if you do not have proper technique you may use other muscles to do most of the work instead and this means you might not see the results you want to. 

The final reason is that using proper technique is harder. For example you could try doing 10 burpees as quickly as possible. Then try doing 10 burpees in a slower, controlled manner concentrating on proper form. If you try doing your exercise in a slow, controlled manner, with correct form, you will be amazed at how much harder it can be. This means the exercise will be more effective and is another reason that you will see results quicker with proper form

If you are new to exercise then I would recommend that the first few sessions you concentrate doing the exercises slowly and learning the correct technique. Once you are happy with the technique you can then increase the speed.   

TAGS: fitness