Shape up skills: Proper exercise techniques

Proper breathing during exercise is as important as the exercise. It is essential to get enough oxygen, especially when lifting weights. Never hold your breath when you exercise. This can elevate your blood pressure to dangerous levels.

For best results, take a breath before you begin then breathe out as you exert and lift. Take a deep breath as you lower the weight and repeat.

avoid injury

You must be careful about balance when you use free weights. For instance, when standing and doing bicep curls, you must make sure you do not try to cheat. Check your position and be certain that you are not using your hips. This is a good way to put undue strain on your back, and could cause an injury.

Do not lift weights to impress others. When you do this, you may be tempted to use more weight than is comfortable, and this can cause muscle strain. Use the amount of weight that does not cause too much effort, at first. This will keep you from using the wrong body parts to cheat. When you decide to increase the weight, do so gradually.

If you are lifting to improve your muscle tone, there is no need to use heavy weights. Instead, increase the number or times you do it. This will provide you with muscle tone and will not encourage muscle growth. Also, if you are lifting at home, consider a good curl bar for bicep curls. The curves in the bar give you better form and position, and eliminate the urge to cheat.

no shortcut

The way you grip your weights is crucial. If you are serious, you should consider some quality lifting gloves. They will provide you with a firm grip. Your entire body can get sweaty and a good pair of gloves will keep sweat and moisture from your hands.

Your grip on the barbell for the bench press will determine what muscles you work. If you want to work your triceps and shoulders, keep your hands relatively close together. To work the pectorals or chest, widen your grip a bit. It is best to do part of your exercises with hands close and the rest with hands apart.

Do not be in a hurry and expect fantastic results in a short time, with little effort. There are no shortcuts to fitness, but it is well worth the effort that you put into it. Form is absolutely essential to your workout, as it guarantees maximum results. When you are not sure of the proper technique, consult a fitness professional.