Proper form in weight training

You have been told that you need to do some weight-training to tone and sculpt your body and improve muscle mass, but no one told you that using improper form during training can be dangerous. Improper form can lead to sprains, strains, fractures and other types of injury that can side-line you for some time to come.

Proper form during weight training entails using proper movement with the targeted muscle or muscle group, to avoid injury to your joints. Good form allows your neuromuscular system – your nervous system and your muscular system – to work in harmony. You can achieve health benefits such as increased bone, muscle and tendon strength, improved joint function, cardiac function and weight loss.

Using improper form causes the body to use the wrong muscles to do the work, instead of the ones you are trying to train. The result is an injury, cumulative trauma and lack of neuromuscular efficiency. Using improper form can hurt you even if you are using light weights. If you are unable to use proper form with the weights you are lifting, decrease the weight and the repetitions. It is better to start low and do it properly than use a lot of weight and injure yourself, or not see results.

Using proper form also involves breathing properly. Holding your breath can increase blood pressure. You should breathe out as you lift and breathe in as you lower the weight.

Using proper form will deliver the results you are training for. It is pointless to practice week after week and not get the results you want. Consult uf you are just starting out, or are unsure of your technique.