Lifting weights on a regular basis is a great way to exercise your body, get lean, and stay strong. But if you are not lifting safely, you could be doing more harm than good, and you could cause some serious damage and injuries to your body in your attempts to get stronger.
So, are you lifting safely during your workouts? Check out the information below to answer this question and make adjustments wherever necessary.
Are You Warming Up First?
Warming up is really important if you are going to be strength training. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t realize just how important it is, so they ignore their warm-up and dive right into lifting weights. No matter what way you decide to warm up, whether that means going for a quick walk on the treadmill or doing some stretches, just give yourself the time to prepare your body for what is to come.
Are You Going Too Fast?
When it comes to lifting heavy weights, you do not want to use momentum to complete the movements; instead, you want every single rep to be in total control. You also do not want to speed through your exercises, as that will increase your odds of executing poor form and hurting yourself. Focus on using a slower tempo, such as counting two seconds when you lift the weight and then counting two seconds when you lower it.
Are You Using Proper Form?
As you learn new exercises that involve lifting weights to build up your strength, you should do your research into the proper form for each. Whether you are lifting light or heavy weights, maintaining the right form will dramatically reduce your odds of getting hurt. So talk to a trainer at the gym, look up the proper form for an exercise online, or follow a workout chart’s guidelines to ensure you are executing every move perfectly.
Are You Allowing Yourself to Breathe?
If you are lifting weights and you are finding it hard to breathe, you need to stop and take a few minutes to rest, hydrate, and get yourself back on track. Having difficulty breathing is not a sign that you are doing things right. Never push your body, and definitely stop if you start to feel dizzy or faint.
By making sure you are lifting safely, you can rest assured that you are executing a safe and effective strength training routine every single time. So keep the tips above in mind the next time you head to the gym.
