Invent Your Own Exercise!

I have been Personal Training for 5 years now... and still, one thing that surprises me are those "people who invent there own EXERCISES!"

Let me paint the picture for you of a real life example, not as hilarious as Ms. Barbie and her facial exercises, but check this out: 

I am at the gym every day training clients. I have clients who I see early morning... I mean early, 5am and others who I meet later in the evening. And let me tell you without any sarcasism. 9 times out of 10 I see some FUNKY things happening.

Every so often I find a poor soul exercising. Using almost every piece of equipment and working hard... BUT INCORRECTLY AND WITH HORRIBLE TECHNIQUE! For the record I am not here to say I am better than you, but I guarantee you if we had the chance to stop and chat with these individuals and ask them what they were doing. I bet you my college degree and hard earned certifications they would say, "I DON'T KNOW." 

It is extremely important to understand and know what you are doing and how you are exercising. And this is not only to prevent you from looking silly but more important, for your own SAFETY. 

Here's a little example. The other day I was working out and saw this dude working out CRAZY. Doing things that I had never seen but I knew it was all "Mickey Mouse..." Come on I've been around the block and back when it comes to TRAINING! All of a sudden the dude stared at me. He looked scared. His face was pale. I was frightened. I was asking myself "why is he looking at me." He starts talking and I remove my ipod head phones and says "hey, can you do me a favor and put the weights back for me, I just pulled my back and can't move..." 

This guy was in incredible pain. Deep inside when I first spotted him working out I knew something bad was going to happen. I felt so bad for him, so I promised myself to show him what NOT to do the next time I see him.  

Here's how to prevent you from getting injured or looking silly. If you don't know how to execute an exercise or are just confused on how to do it, then don't do it. If there is any doubt then stay away from it. Please don't try to invent your own version of a perfectly solid exercise. It drives us PERSONAL TRAINERS crazy! 

Don't be afraid, to ask a trainer for assistance.  If you don't want to approach one at your gym, you know there is always one right here ready to help!  

 As far as Ms. Barbie goes...well I will let you be the judge.