These Exercises Could Be Promoting Injury
When you first start going to the gym, you are probably excited by thoughts of how great it will be once you get into better shape and improve your strength. You have a basic idea of how to work out, but maybe you haven’t stepped into a gym in a few years. Perhaps you see some techniques online that you want to try, or you want to use some old school methods of working out.
While exercising is good, there is the potential that some of the exercises you are doing could be causing more harm to your body than you realize. Even those who have been in the gym regularly can fall victim to the promise of great results through these exercises. Let’s look at two exercises that could be problematic.
Upright Rows
The upright row is a very popular exercise for those who want to work on building shoulder mass and strength. However, as beneficial as this exercise can be, it can also create problems when you are using improper form. With this exercise, your elbows should not be lifted above shoulder level, as doing so could cause problems with the connective joints. With proper form, though, the exercise should not be a problem.
Behind the Neck Lat Pulldown
This has long been a popular exercise in the gym, but it also has the potential to be dangerous. Whenever you are putting anything behind the neck in a pressing or pulling movement, it can put too much stress on the shoulders causing impingement. The ligaments in the shoulders can be overstretched, which can eventually require surgery to repair.
If you are unsure about how to perform certain exercises, and if you wonder whether those exercises are safe and effective to help you reach your goals, seek answers from the professionals. Talk with your Planet Health staff and ask their opinion on the exercises. They can help you understand the best way to work out without risking injury.
