Over the last couple of weeks the numbers in the gym have risen.  Partially due to upcoming spring break and people shedding their “winter weight” in preparation for the warmer weather.  The treadmills, stair climbing machines and ellipticals all seem to be the preferred method of training and really are fabulous to lose unwanted inches.  I have noticed one key problem:  poor form.

While using exercise equipment, it’s important to maintain good form.  This includes lifting properly to make sure that you are targeting the right muscle groups and using cardio equipment.  Time and time again, I look to the right or left and notice the person next to me hunched over, butt out, leaning on the hand rails, while having the intensity cranked up and turning an crazy cadence on the machines.  This can lead to back, leg, shoulder, and all kinds of other issues, but for the purpose of your workout (fitting into that bikini toning up, or simply trying to improve fitness) you are not getting the most bang for your buck.

• Stand/sit up straight, and take the weight off of your arms.
• If you find that you have to lean over to maintain the intensity, push the (-) button on the machine.
• Slow down your cadence, and preform the exercise correctly with good form.

Think of it this way:  to target fat burning a person needs to be at a low-moderate aerobic pace.  If you’re constantly out of breath, your in the wrong training zone and not targeting your love handles as much as you think.

“Don’t look back…..forward motion is everything.”

Ryan