The importance of executing exercises properly cannot be understated. In order to measure progress, we must always perform the exercises the exact same way. If we have good technique for the first 8 reps, then deviate from that perfect form for the last few reps, we will not be able to accurately measure our performance increase. We may think that we got a few more reps than the last time we performed the exercise, but the fact of the matter is we deviated from the technique to get the extra repetitions.
Along with the inability to accurately track progress correctly, the chance for injury greatly increases when we start using other muscles that we are not targeting into the exercise. One example would be in a dumbbell bicep curl. One can greatly increase the amount of repetitions in a dumbbell curl by including the lower back and swinging the weight up. Putting a lot of lower back into a bicep curl will allow a person to get more repetitions. However, it comes with the cost of possible injury and lack of measuring progress correctly. In addition to the previously stated issues, we will also be driving energy into body parts we aren’t trying to train. This will systemically decrease our energy. Energy that could be driven through our biceps and actually help increase their development.
One could say “well i’m training my lower back a little bit at least”. That would be incorrect. We are not driving enough energy through our lower back to cause any development to the spinal erectors. To conclude, lightening up the weight, and specifically driving energy through the targeted muscle or muscles will give you more development and progress in those muscles. Swinging a dumbbell for a bicep curl, will not increase the development in the spinal erectors.
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