The message is clearest when we cast this subject in a negative light. Bad form produces disastrous results. I’ll get to the gym, in a second, but first let me illustrate it through everyday events. Bad form when holding a knife, fork or spoon leads to sloppy eating and embarrassing dining mishaps. Bad grammar (linguistic form) can cause needless frustration during a job interview or promotion passover due to poor communication skills. Even in the sport of tennis, bad form prevents even the most promising athletes from advancing much farther than beginner level.
It’s the same in the gym. The number one cause of injury in the weight room is bad form. Pec tears, bicep tears and wrecked joints can all be attributed to sloppy form or the sacrifice of good form for more weight. Never do it. From sixty on out (actually, from forty on out is probably wise) never set aside good form just so you can do a few extra pounds. It’s not worth it. And, the funny thing is, when we trust the form, sooner or later we’re gonna be pushing that weight, anyway. Not injured, at that!
If you feel like your form has been sacrificed or, worse, someone comments on your bad form after a heavy set, it’s time for a reset. A reset is a full session (routine) using significantly less weight and focusing solely on good form. Your body will thank you and you’ll lift injury free for years to come if you only remember that Form is King!
Today was swim day and boy did I look forward to it. 60 laps in the pool, 16 mins on the bike, 8 mins on the elliptical and 4 mins on the rower.