I have seen it many times: trainees, especially guys, will routinely sacrifice exercise form and the overall quality of their training to lift weights their muscles simply cannot, at a particular point in time, handle. Whether their backs are excessively arched and their arms and shoulders are forced to take a majority of the strain during bench presses, or their torsos swing more than Ron Jeremy on Viagra during biceps curls, the results are always the same: poor form and a subsequent lack of muscle growth to show for their vigorous, though misguided, efforts.

Whenever it is time to hit the gym, a surprising number of people are aware that they are being watched so tend to put on a show to illustrate how strong and amazing they are. Rather than focusing on how to perfect their training through observance of correct technique and by establishing a feel for what they are doing, many, in between cavorting with the opposite sex or mentally planning their weekend, in turn lengthening their rest between sets by five minutes or more, thus compromising their mind/muscle connection, display shocking technique often in the hope of outdoing their training partner. Such trainees are not only restricting the gains they might make but inviting serious injury. Guys training together are the worst: when two testosterone-fuelled men are training head-to-head, supposedly helping one another to achieve their respective goals, a recipe for mindless training is often created. If one trainee lifts 100kg on the bench press with good form, the other, who may presently only be able to bench 90kg utilizing similar technique, will often feel compelled to hoist the same impressive weight regardless of their obvious strength limitation. They will employ any means necessary to ensure they even the ‘score’. Do not be that guy. Always aim for perfect form and quality of training; never train to boost your ego. Because the only thing that really matters is that you look like you can lift impressive weights (which are relative anyway), not necessarily that you actually can.       

  
About the author:
David Robson is a New Zealand-based professional freelance writer, book author, personal trainer and health and fitness expert. With his sound scientific and academic credentials he has helped thousands of people achieve their health and fitness goals both through his written works and guidance. As a staff writer, David’s articles can be read in leading health and fitness periodical Status Fitness Magazine. David can be contacted at: davidrobson19@hotmail.co.nz or at his website: davidrobsonelite.com