It’s easy to throw around labels, “that is good,” and “that is bad.” Unfortunately, in the world of fitness, this often happens when talking about exercises.
If it is a movement of the body, it is not inherently bad or good. It is too simplistic of a view to say, “Exercises X is not good.” Does this mean you should go out and try any exercise you have seen? Most certainly not.
When deciding to try a new exercise, you should go through these four questions to determine if it is appropriate for you.
Does the exercise cause pain?
If yes, don’t do that variation of the movement.
If no, go for it.
Do I have the range of motion to complete this exercise?
If yes, then ask, “will I keep my range of motion and stability if I add weight to this exercise?” If no, then don’t add weight; if yes, add weight.
If no, then ask, “what can I work on to gain the range of motion to complete this exercise?”
Do I have coordination and stability to complete this exercise?
If yes, then ask, “will I keep my coordination and stability if I add weight to this exercise?” If no, then don’t add weight; if yes, add weight.
If no, then ask, “How can I make this exercise more stable?”
Is this the best choice of movement to meet your goals?
If yes, then do it.
If no, then ask, “What would be a better choice?”
As coaches, we are continuously going through these four questions. Watching how you move and adjusting the mobility, stability, resistance, and making sure the exercise is an appropriate movement for your goals.
Exercises cannot be appropriate for a person, but that does not make them good or bad. By answering these four questions before trying new exercises, you will quickly know if the exercise is right for you.
Your Fitness Sherpa,
Josh
