Weigth Lifiting: Learn from YouTube
According to Weight Training: Do's and Don't's by CNN, most people learn how to lift weights from friends or by watching people in the gym. Be careful! Improper technique is often times a one-way street to injury. The most important thing you need to know about weightlifting is proper body mechanics - proper posture when performing a resistance exercise.
YouTube can be an educational resource.
If you want to learn a new exercise and need a demonstration, a personal trainer is the best source for a personal demonstration. But these days, you can also check out YouTube. Many personal trainers and group exercise instructors are promoting themselves on YouTube with free videos about weight-lifting and stretching techniques.
Who are you learning from?
When using YouTube, make sure your source is credible. You can do that by looking at the other videos posted by the trainer and visiting their personal web site. Go to the section of their site called something like "about me." This page should give you information about certifications, education, exercise background and employment history.
Did we mention - be careful?
Once you've selected some new exercises to learn, again, be careful. Just because you think you are using proper technique, doesn't mean you are. Even a slightly hunched back or light swing of the arm can lead to injuries down the road. Watch the video carefully, noting body part placement - like how far the arm extends during a tricep kickback. Watch the video again while you mimic the movements without weights.
Note: Doing the movements slowly without weights will allow your body time to become comfortable with what the exercise should feel like with proper posture and without the added pressure of weights. Everybody should do this several times when learning a new resistance exercise.
Next, try watching yourself in the mirror when doing your first few sets of exercises. Then, go back and watch the video again to be sure you haven't missed anything in your posture or arm or leg placement.
To be sure, get evaluated.
Having said this, while YouTube can help get you started, it is always a good idea to have your technique evaluated by a professional in person at some point. Only then can you perform the exercises with full confidence, knowing you are minimizing injury while strengthening your body.
Bodywork in Austin provides custom massage therapy and bodywork services.
YouTube can be an educational resource.
If you want to learn a new exercise and need a demonstration, a personal trainer is the best source for a personal demonstration. But these days, you can also check out YouTube. Many personal trainers and group exercise instructors are promoting themselves on YouTube with free videos about weight-lifting and stretching techniques.
Who are you learning from?
When using YouTube, make sure your source is credible. You can do that by looking at the other videos posted by the trainer and visiting their personal web site. Go to the section of their site called something like "about me." This page should give you information about certifications, education, exercise background and employment history.
Did we mention - be careful?
Once you've selected some new exercises to learn, again, be careful. Just because you think you are using proper technique, doesn't mean you are. Even a slightly hunched back or light swing of the arm can lead to injuries down the road. Watch the video carefully, noting body part placement - like how far the arm extends during a tricep kickback. Watch the video again while you mimic the movements without weights.
Note: Doing the movements slowly without weights will allow your body time to become comfortable with what the exercise should feel like with proper posture and without the added pressure of weights. Everybody should do this several times when learning a new resistance exercise.
Next, try watching yourself in the mirror when doing your first few sets of exercises. Then, go back and watch the video again to be sure you haven't missed anything in your posture or arm or leg placement.
To be sure, get evaluated.
Having said this, while YouTube can help get you started, it is always a good idea to have your technique evaluated by a professional in person at some point. Only then can you perform the exercises with full confidence, knowing you are minimizing injury while strengthening your body.
Bodywork in Austin provides custom massage therapy and bodywork services.
Labels: learn to lift weights, learn to stretch, weight lifting, weight lifting youtube, women weight lifting
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