Nutrition, a proper sleep schedule, and keeping hydrated are all important elements of maintaining a healthy body. A good meal can go a long way, but sometimes you need to tweak it and add a protein bar or something similar to your day to boost energy. Just like you tweak your diet, you may need to tweak your form and posture while exercising, not just so you don't hurt yourself, but also so that you get more out of your workout.
Importance of Posture
Poor posture is not only unattractive; it can also be bad for your health—and not just your back. The structure of your body was developed the way it was because it has a specific function. Yes, it allows you to do specific activities, but it also protects you at the same time. Consider your rib cage. It is designed to protect your internal organs from injury. Since the human body is so amazing, it doesn't just rely on the rib cage, but other elements as well. For instance, when you go into shock, your limbs get cold because your body senses an emergency and is diverting everything to your organs. Likewise, when you don't use good posture, your organs may be facing unnecessary pressure. That means you aren't going to get the right amount of oxygen, blood flow, and other things that your body is trying to do to keep you healthy. When you exercise, bad posture leads to improper positioning of the organs, so it may not just be your back that you are straining. When it comes to exercise, proper posture helps your body evenly displace weights and pressure so that the areas you are trying to work on get the maximum benefit rather than causing injuries.
Importance of Form
Consider your posture to be the foundation of everything you do, and your form to be the management of all the details in between. When you work out and your trainer tells you to adjust your form, it isn't just to be strict, but to make sure that you get the benefits you're looking for. For instance, squats might seem easier when your knees turn inward, but, if anything, they need to be facing more outward. This allows the weight to fall where it needs to, rather than making your back and knees take all the pressure of the squat. One common mistake that people make is locking their joints. This is dangerous for several reasons. For one thing, there are major arteries in those areas, so that if you lock your knees for too long, you may pass out or lose vision. At the very least, you're putting an unnecessary strain on your heart. It also means that the weights or exercises you are doing are putting a strain on the joints rather than working the muscles. Before your next workout, have a chat with your trainer. Ask for tips on improving your form and your posture in general. Every activity you do can benefit your body if your form and posture are correctly managed. And don't forget to supplement your newly improved workout with a delicious Promax protein bar while you're at it.