Be Your Own Trainer – Posture
“The’¦The’¦ That’s my stapler’¦”
Remember ‘œOffice Space’?? What you don’t want when you workout, is the ‘œMilton pose.’ Basically, you NEVER want the ‘œMilton pose.’
On any sort of machine or during any mat exercise, Keep. Your. Posture. If there is one piece of knowledge I can bestow on any of you, it’s gonna always be keep your back straight and your shoulders square. Otherwise, you’re only doing slow, serious damage to your poor spine. And once your spine goes, shit, you’re done kid.
Everyday, on average, I correct about 20 different people on their horrible posture. Not only does having bad posture hurt your back, but also it takes away with the effectiveness with whatever exercise you are currently doing.
There are actually three basic posture ‘œsyndromes’ that trainers are taught to correct:
There are simple stretches that you can do in order to correct any of these ‘œsyndromes’ found here, however, please do these exercises with caution. If you need help determining which posture problem you have, please contact me by email or speak to the certified trainer at your local gym.
Also, are you using a new machine for the first time and are not quite sure? ASK SOMEONE HOW TO USE IT. Don’t do something new and not know exactly what you need to do, you will risk injury. It’s always a good idea to ask someone. If you read the directions (machines usually have maps and directions printed on them) on the machine and don’t feel it in the highlighted areas, then chances are you’re doing something wrong.
Ask. Always, always, always, always ask.
Cheap Substitutes for a Real Life Trainer
Massage and Chiropractors ‘“ Some people may not agree with me on this but I go to a chiropractor at least once a month. I got into a car accident really early in life so my hips are ‘œall out of whack’ (which, I guess is a medical term now). Going to a chiropractor can realign the vertebrae in your back and by pampering yourself with a massage; you can also release toxins that like to hang out in your muscles. Then again, you could have a really hot massage therapist… just sayin…
Peace!
Experienced Lifters ‘“ Check out my newest workout plan, ‘œThe Suicide Workout’
Lucy: I’ve heard that good posture can make you look 10 pounds lighter! That an incentive right there. Plus, past trainers that I have used echo your advice: good form during workouts and lifting is key!