Professional athletes make a living pushing the limits of human performance. The approach to their respective sports and training includes calculating the risks (injury) against the benefits (winning and the financial rewards that come with it) of asserting maximum effort.
The rest of us should be playing the long game. Sure, most of us would like to be stronger and faster. And it’s true that pushing your mental and physical limits is key to improving for even casual athletes. But you’re not getting paid for each repetition you complete in the gym. Since for most us, the ability to put food on the table does not depend on how fast, strong, or explosive we can be, we should not take unnecessary risks in sport or in the gym.
For example, when lifting a heavy barbell overhead, the focus should be on good form and not merely completing the lift at any cost to our spine or shoulder health. Strive to be the person at the gym who demonstrates impeccable movement patterns, not necessarily the person who lifts the most weight. This mindset will help you maximize your chances of being in good health and pain free as you age.
Fitness or athletic competitions can be great for building camaraderie and for adding a level of excitement to your workout routine. When practiced safely, they can also add a degree of intensity — pushing you harder than you ordinarily might. But keep everything in perspective. Sometimes attempting unfamiliar movements you cannot perform correctly or pushing yourself past fatigue or muscle failure can be dangerous. A recent article in Men’s Health magazine offers sage advice about evaluating the risks of participating in CrossFit’s annual “Open” competition workout 19.3 — a shoulder-intensive workout calling for difficult weights and movements beyond the capability of many of its participants.
At Law & Motion, the goal is longevity in your ability to engage in healthy movement. We accomplish this by teaching and reinforcing proper movement patters, prioritizing good form over intensity during our workouts, and employing corrective exercise techniques to promote the body’s most efficient static and dynamic posture. Email lawandmotionfitness@gmail.com to get started!