I’m sure you’ve seen them at your local gym during your aerobics class – participants that just don’t seem to care about their form while they are working out. They seem to think that their technique doesn’t matter as long as they are moving and burning calories, what’s the point? This rationality is true to a point because they will yield some type of benefit as long as they are moving and increasing their heart rate.
This type of behavior is typically seen with participants that are new to the art of an aerobic workout, yet somehow they still seem to gain some type of benefit from their workout. The easiest way to tell the difference between a beginner from a participant that is very proficient in aerobics is obviously in their aerobic fitness technique and form. Keep in mind that the “professionals” are not necessarily showing off as there is a whole lot more to proper technique then just looking good.
The Key Reason
Perhaps the most important purpose for using proper technique when performing aerobic moves is to avoid negating the benefits that each exercise is supposed to provide. Simply put, performing your exercises with an improper technique may still offer some benefits, such as weight loss, however the benefit you would receive had they been performed properly will be considerably reduced. In the end, you may become discouraged from continuing your exercise program because you feel that you are not receiving the benefits you thought you would, all because the moves are not being performed correctly.
Prevention of Injury
It is also vital to keep in mind that using correct form while performing aerobic exercises can aid in the reduction, (possibly even the avoidance) of countless injuries. Using improper form can lead to unnecessary stress on certain parts of the body which can lead to sprains, tears and bruises which could have otherwise been avoided. In order to avoid unnecessary pain and down time, it is imperative to learn and utilize proper technique while performing your workout.
Learning the Proper Way to Perform Techniques
When you are just beginning an aerobic fitness routine, it is imperative for you to learn the correct moves by performing them slowly and deliberately, particularly when you are learning them for the first time. If you try to rush through the learning process, you will have a tendency to perform the moves carelessly, which in turn will lead to bad habits in the future. This cycle will continue, and in the end it will begin to hinder your potential future growth.
As you can see there are numerous reasons to begin an aerobic fitness program by learning the proper technique from the start. By doing this you can assure yourself that you are doing everything possible to avoid injury and allowing yourself to reap the benefits that each exercise was intended to provide. Keep in mind that some of the moves may seem awkward to you at first and it may take a few tries until you feel comfortable with them. But we all know, practice makes perfect and before you know it the moves will seem like second nature. Just keep moving and doing your best and you will be well on your way to a happier, healthier you!