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Writer's pictureWilliam Esposito

How To: Basic Exercises- Perfect Form

Updated: Aug 2



To benefit us to the greatest degree, we must exercise with good form, as close to perfect as possible. Exercises have been carefully, scientifically designed, and fine-tuned by the many people who have performed them. We now know how to exercise for the greatest bodily and health benefit. Good form is essential for many reasons.  Let’s look at the proper form for some major full-body exercises. 


The Big Five

The five primary full-body exercises are squats, pushups, deadlifts, pull-ups, and shoulder presses.

Why full body exercises? Full-body exercises engage more muscles, leading to better strength gains, fat loss, flexibility, and a balanced physique. Individual body part exercises are fine if you cannot do full-body exercises and want to begin an exercise program. You can try full-body exercises for maximum benefit once you build strength in your legs, arms, and core. 

We will begin with five basic full-body exercises: squats, pushups, deadlifts, pull-ups, and shoulder presses. We will then discuss using proper forms to maximize the benefits of our efforts. 


Proper form ensures these exercises:

1. Engage the intended muscles

2. Target proper range of motion

3. Prevent injury

4. Promote flexibility

5. Improve balance


Improper form can lead to strains, injuries, and other undesirable consequences because compensatory movements can lead to imbalances or overuse injuries. Proper form also improves posture and body alignment, enhancing efficient movement and reducing the risk of chronic pain or discomfort. 


Full Body Exercises


Squats


To perform a squat with perfect form, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, chest lifted, and core engaged. Lower your body by bending at the hips and knees, keeping your weight on your heels and your knees aligned with your toes. Ensure that your back remains straight throughout the movement, and push through your heels to return to the starting position. 



Push-ups  

Push-ups are a great exercise for strengthening the upper body, including the chest, shoulders, and triceps. To achieve perfect form, start in a plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Loser your body by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides until your chest nearly touches the ground.  Push through your palms to straighten your arms and return to the starting position, maintaining a straight line from your head to your heels throughout the movement. 


Deadlifts

Deadlifts are a compound exercise that targets multiple muscle groups, including the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. To perform a deadlift correctly, stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward, and a barbell in front of you. Hinge at the hips and bend your knees to grasp the barbell with an overhand grip. Keep your back flat, chest lifted, and core engaged as you lift the barbell by pushing through your heels and straightening your hips and knees. Lower the barbell back to the ground with control, maintaining proper alignment and muscle tension. 


Pull-ups

Pull-ups are a bodyweight exercise that is great for building upper-body strength. Despite common misconceptions, almost anyone without strong arms and back muscles can conquer a pull-up. Pull-ups target the back, arms, neck, and shoulders primarily. 

How to do a perfect pull-up: Grasp the bar with your palms shoulder-width apart. Hang with your arms straight and your feet off the floor. Pull yourself up by pulling your elbows to the floor until your chin passes over the bar. Lower yourself slowly and gently. Pull-ups should be performed in front of the neck, never behind the neck. 


Shoulder Presses

The shoulder press is an upper-body exercise that targets the trapezoid and deltoid shoulder muscles, the upper chest, and the triceps. It is simple and beneficial for beginners. However, knowing how to prevent injury properly is important because the shoulder is a complex joint susceptible to strains, repetitive motion injuries, and other causes of discomfort. 


How to do a perfect shoulder press. 

Stand straight up or sit upright on a bench, holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with your palms facing away from you. Keep your chest up, brace your core, and look straightforward throughout the movement. Press the weight directly upward until your arms are almost straight and the dumbbells are above your shoulders. Lower slowly and carefully down to the start position. 


Achieving the perfect form for full-body exercises is crucial for maximizing the benefits of your workout while minimizing the risk of injury. By focusing on proper alignment, muscle engagement, and movement, you can ensure that you are effectively targeting the intended muscles and promoting overall strength and stability. Remember to start with lighter weights or modifications as needed to master the correct form before progressing to more challenging variations. With dedication and attention to detail, you can perform full-body exercises with perfect form and take your fitness to the next level.



Disclaimer: PLEASE READ

For your safety and peace of mind, consult your physician or healthcare provider before embarking on any nutrition or exercise program. For more information regarding this disclaimer, click on our About page.

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