Proper Form Is Everything!

In my previous post we talked about avoiding bad form by dogging out people who are not familiar with correct weight lifting posture.  At the end of the day I’m looking out for you. So don’t be offended when I offer you assistance on your deadlift, because incorrect form makes you look like a dog dropping a deuce.

Great form develops gradually as you take the time to listen to your body. Everyone wants to get ripped quick. There is nothing wrong with that at all, but, in this case, slow and steady wins the race. At the end of the day, nothing slows you down like an injury, so being careful early on helps you make progress and gain momentum as you go. When I first started lifting weights, I was 19 and almost killed myself trying to bench 225 lbs. I didn’t warm up, I didn’t have a spotter, I just picked up the weight…  then I dropped it on my neck. Needless to say, I survived, but I paid for my mistake by not being able to talk clearly for a few weeks.

Back then my role models were superheroes like Captain America and Black Panther. Much like a superhero, I wanted to have superior strength. Unlike a superhero, I had to work for it — no mutant spiders were going to bite my way to glory. I began studying techniques and new methods to make the workouts easier and to get stronger at the same time. In the process, I learned to control my body by performing body weight workouts.

This process helped me develop stabilizing muscles, giving me better posture and control over the weights I lifted. Using lighter weights and working my way up in sets, I learned how to maintain my form through every movement. This gave me great posture in my everyday life as well. Now I walk up straight rather than slouching.

The moral of the story is to take your time. You can’t rush perfection, so ease up on the weight. I promise it will be waiting for you on your next personal record (PR).