The Art Of Choosing Exercises
Did you know there was an ancient art form called Choosing Exercises? I bet you did not, but don’t worry I have studied this art and will help you in your journey to Conquer your Fitness.
Since we as a population have the power to possess the internet in pretty much any scenario we want, it is easy to get information whenever we want it.
Need to know what a bench press is…just Google it! What is a Box Squat?; Google it. A problem comes in when you are looking for a variation of an exercise (that best fits you) outside of the big staple exercises(for each major muscle group). Go ahead and YOUTUBE Chest Exercises and see how many videos come up.(I got 148 Thousand results on YouTube and over 11 Million in a simple Google search) That is a lot to choose from…How do you make that Choice?
The Art of Choosing (Shh, this is a Trade Secret)
Did you know that You had the power to choose your own exercises? I know the Workout GURU you follow on Instagram told you that only a specific exercises he or she does is “THE BEST” or “the only variation you should ever use” but let’s be serious and use the Smarts here.
The real point is that you are the dictator of the exercises you place in your workout. If you work with a quality trainer then they will work with you as an assistant dictator to your fitness. You have the knowledge of how your body feels when you move and the trainer has the knowledge of application of exercises. They are both important components in choosing exercises to best fir your need.
**If you work with a poorly qualified trainer then they will over throw your dictatorship. They will disrespect and cause hardship by choosing your exercises; which will then leave you in the scenario of “ OBEY OR ELSE”
Why is the Quality Trainer only The Assistant Dictator
The Simple answer is that no matter how qualified the trainer is they will never know everything specifically about you. Yes, They will have a better understanding of fitness exercises and their application; your body is always going to be the one with the final say. your body can Veto and exercise or it can approve it for further use. In this case your voice has less power over the exercises you “ want to do”, because your body will show the trainer what exercises you need to be doing.
In most cases you may not understand what your body is trying to tell you.( where do you think body language came from…jokes) The trainers is to translate into a language you can understand and then create a plan of action to reach a goal you have previously communicated to the trainer.
Be your Own “Body Translator”
Yes, you can learn to choose exercises on your own with out the help of a trainer. It might not be as fast or as easy/safe as you may like, but it’s possible. Follow these simple steps to learn what your body is saying.
Prioritize exercises for your goals
Ask yourself if this exercise will get you closer to your goal.
Do some research about your goal to find out what exercises might work better.
You do not have to do them all. There are more variations than I can count and not a chance in the world all of them are safe to do.
Live by the rule “ Just Because I can doesn’t mean I should”.
I can eat a 5 course meal then immediately run 3 miles…but I probably should not.
I can jump out of a plane without a parachute…But Should I do that If I want to live to 100 years old?
I know the person you follow on the latest social media app does some cool exercises squatting on a Swiss ball or in high heels but, should you?
If it hurts then Stop
There is a reason for the pain, maybe the exercise is too advanced for you, you’re doing it wrong, maybe the exercise does not work well with your prior injuries.
Stick to the basics first and use variations of the basics as needed.
All of the Basic or Staple exercises in the fitness world have regressive and progressive variations
By using different equipment you can easily vary an exercise without really changing it.
It is all about trial and error.
Like I said earlier the process of learning what your body is trying to tell you can be a hazardous one. Simply because you are learning, and sometimes in learning you hit some difficulties with application.
With all that being said your best route would be to simply strike up a conversation with someone who can help you chose exercises. Whether you just ask a trainer/ coach for some pointers or actually hire one, it is always good to have some guidance. Remember these Fitness professionals have more of an understanding of the application of fitness than you might have, even if they do not know you very well…yet.
That is all…Now go do some push ups.
Originally published at fitletes.com
Thanks For taking the time out of your day to read.
If you enjoyed it then I hope you follow, It would really mean the world to me.