Exercise Results

Are you not getting the results you want from your workout? Are you developing pain after you work out beyond normal fatigue and exercise related soreness? You may be making some mistakes in you exercise program that could be contributing to your lack of results or pain. This week I would like to discuss some tips and common exercise mistakes.



Improper posture on cardio machines
It is easy to hunch over while on the elliptical or treadmill but this reinforces bad posture (good posture should be a major goal of everyone’s program). Also try not to set the incline or speed too high. You may feel as if you need to hang on just to keep from falling off, which is counterproductive.

Exercising with the goals of ‘spot reduction’
Performing exercises with the goal of “toning” a muscle group is fine for firming and conditioning muscle; however, if there is a layer of fat over the muscle you may not look different. An easy solution is to add multi joint, functional, and cardio exercises to your routine.

Poor choices in footwear
Wearing the proper footwear while exercising is very important. Shoes that are worn or do not fit right will affect the pressure on your knees, hips, and spine. A good recommendation is to shop at a store that specializes in athletic shoes. I would recommend Fleet feet for those who live in the capital region.

For more information on common exercise mistakes please visit: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/slideshow-9-least-effective-exercises

And for more information on healthy living, or to schedule a consultation for physical therapy, feel free to contact us at 518-690-4406 or visit our website at www.empirehwc.com or email us at ehwc7@nycap.rr.com.

William Milhizer, DPT, PT