Hey all! This post is dedicated to practicing proper form for certain workouts. Sometimes when working out, people don’t even realize their form isn’t correct and this can leave you feeling extra sore and results will not be the same.
Photos will be included of what you should and should not do for these specific exercises.
Basic Squat
For squats, you want to make sure you’re keeping your back erect and your legs shoulder width apart. You should not have a wide stance and you shouldn’t lean forward when squatting. Work ok looking straight ahead and keeping your back straight as you squat. Clench your glutes at the top of your squat every time.
Push ups
For push ups, make sure to keep your back straight. You should be able to put a stack of books on your back and they should not fall if your form is correct. Keep your arms in line with your shoulders or widen your arms slightly. Make sure when you are going down that you are trying to touch your chest to the floor. Don’t just simply bend at the elbows and come back up. Keep your butt down and flat so the imaginary books on your back don’t fall off.
Lunges
For lunges, make sure to keep your back erect and your head up and looking straight ahead. Do not lean forward and let your back arch either way. Try to get your knee as close to the floor as possible. It should be almost touching the floor. Keep your hands on your hips for stability. Don’t cheat yourself on these! Make sure each one your posture is straight and your knee is almost on the ground.
Planks
For planks, make sure to keep your body completely straight. Again, you should be able to balance a stack of books on your back. Do not raise your butt, keep it flat. Keep your head down and don’t strain your neck by raising your head up. Keep your back flat and do not arch your back. Balance on the pads of your feet, not on the tips of your toes. You can plank from your forearms or your hands, whatever you prefer. Hands should be align with your shoulders.
Jumping Jacks
For jacks, you should make sure when your feet come together, your hands are also meeting above your head. Your hands should not be touching while your legs are spread wide and your arms should not be spread wide when your feet are touching. Make sure to touch your fingertips together each time and not just lift your arms above your head.
Thanks so much for reading and I hope these tips on form were helpful!
Gym and Tonic 