Essential Questions for a Home Workout
By Sara Butler
Working out at home is a great option when you just can’t make it to the gym. It’s the ultimate “no-excuse” workout because, well, you don’t have to go anywhere to get it done. But if you’re taking the initiative to work out at home, there are a few things you need to be aware of to make sure you’re getting the most from your workout. Here are some questions you should ask yourself when working out at home to make sure you’re on the right track.
How Do Your Muscles Feel?
Before you attempt a new exercise, educate yourself on what muscles you should be targeting with it. Then, as you’re performing the exercise, focus on whether or not you feel the contraction in the muscle that you should be working.
If you don’t feel those muscles working or you have pressure, pain, or discomfort, stop and take stock of your form. You can easily find online tutorials to help you find the correct form for the exercise you’re attempting.
Do You Feel Pain?
Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t working right. Working out isn’t always going to comfortable, but there’s a difference between discomfort and pain. If you’re exercising and you feel pain in your joints or anywhere else in your body, then stop what you’re doing and assess the situation. You may not be practicing the correct form or you may be doing the exercise wrong. But learning the difference between discomfort and pain, as well as listening to your body, will help save you from injury.
Do You Have Proper Posture?
When you practice proper posture, you’re putting your body in proper alignment for the exercise. Check your posture often and make sure that you’re keeping your body, from your head to your feet, in line. Any deviation from proper posture puts you at risk for injury. If you need help understanding proper posture, discuss it with the chiropractors at The Joint!
Are You Breathing?
It may sound silly but remembering to breathe during exercise is incredibly important. If you’re lifting weights or doing movements utilizing your body weight, make sure to exhale when pushing the weight up and inhale as the weight comes back down.
These questions will help you keep your home workouts strong!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Dallas, Tex.