Why are you doing that exercise?

Hello and Happy February!

One month into the new year, and I’m curious-have you all been sticking to your goals and new year resolutions?   It seems that everyone gets excited the first week of the year about making changes in regards to eating and exercise habits, but a few weeks into the year, those goals are forgotten.  Don’t be one of those people!  Make health and fitness a part of your life in 2010!

Something that has been on my mind again lately is why trainers choose certain exercises for certain clients.  As a trainer, I am always learning and I accept the fact that I am sometimes wrong and I have a lot more to learn!  However, I do see some odd things at the gym that I need to discuss.

If you are someone who likes to try news things in regards to exercise, I congratulate you! I  feel it is important to change your routine often to keep things fun and exciting.  But if you are working out with a trainer or even on your own, please question why you are doing the program you are given.  Why are you standing on top of that ball holding 15 pound dumbbells while pressing overhead? Will this really improve your core strength or is it just another fitness fad that your trainer decided you were going to do on that given day?

I get tired of seeing exercises that are dangerous and not conducive to the age group to which they are given. It is irresponsible and foolish of the trainer to believe that a 70-year-old client with joint issues can hold a plank for one minute.  When designing a program for a client, one should be given exercises that will help that person with his or her goals and nothing else!

Just something to think about next time you are working with your trainer or at the gym on your own.  Nothing can take the place of good, old fashioned biomechanics. Just in case…

Biomechanics: the study of the action of external and internal forces on the living body, esp. on the skeletal system.

Have a healthy and happy week!

~Jeannette