Christina's Fitness Journey: Who taught you that????

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Who taught you that????

I was watching a girl workout in the gym the other day, and I found myself seriously fighting the urge to walk over and help her. She was doing one arm rows--the kind where one knee is propped on the bench, the other leg is straight, and you have a dumbbell in your hand. It's great for the lats.....but NOT the way she was doing them. When I say "jerky" that is really an understatement. She was yanking that thing up and down and throwing her elbow as if she needed it to get to the ceiling. I was seriously concerned about her throwing her back out. So it made me want to remind everyone out there---if you don't use proper form, you can REALLY get hurt. PLEASE make sure you have someone teach you how to use weights and do certain exercises, because if you're doing them wrong, it could damage something permanently. I think next time I will go over and correct it......what do you think? If you were "that girl" would you want to be corrected? Or would you think I was being rude?

5 comments:

AnonymousApril 24, 2011 at 2:42 PM
Typically I approach poor form quietly but confidently and ask if they'd mind if I gave them a tip. I've never been told no, and they usually appreciate the feedback. Some will ask if I'm a personal trainer or what my background is. I remind them that nobody's perfect. If my form slipped, I'd be grateful if someone knowledgable let me know, and even ask them to spot me next set. The only exceptions are teenage boys because that's usually ego and not ignorance. I call them out on their form as loudly as possible right in front of their buddies. "Keep those feet planted, Hercules! If you can't do it right, you're using too much weight."
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The SandersApril 27, 2011 at 12:01 PM
I'd want correction. I'm sure if you approached someone the right way they'd be thankful. There's always room for improvement!!
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ChristinaApril 28, 2011 at 4:17 PM
Thanks for the input guys. I think I will correct it next time :)
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Megin Lea-Williams EngMay 26, 2011 at 5:34 AM
Yeah I think its fine for you to help her. Just start off by like complimenting her about something (for example attempting such a hard machine or something) and then suggesting that it works even better if she _____________. I had ppl gives me tips back at Mercer that I still use today. haha :)
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ChristinaJune 26, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Great idea, Megin!!! Just like with my students--point out the strengths first, then correct. Nice! Oh, congrats on the marriage! You looked beautiful in the pictures :)
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The divisions I compete in...

Figure competitions in the WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) are judged based on one round of prejudging, where competitors will be compared while wearing a two-piece swimsuit and high-heel shoes. Comparisons will be made in the standard quarter-turns of the competitors. Judging will reward toned muscularity, relative leanness, overall symmetry, facial beauty (makeup, hair, etc.), stage presence, poise, elegance and an overall fit look. There is no fitness demonstration, and this is not a bodybuilding competition (there are no mandatory "poses" other than the quarter-turns).
The Ms. Fit Body judges the competitors based on their physical symmetry (in the quarter-turns), facial beauty, grooming (makeup, hair), costume, stage presence, muscle tone and shape (in the five poses) and overall fit look.
This is not a hardcore bodybuilding competition, but it is also not a swimwear contest. The desired look is for muscletone, symmetrical shape, beauty and the appearance ofhealth and fitness.Suit and heels are also worn for this category.

Personal Records So Far=)

3/8 Lying Leg Curls 3 sets of 90lbs
8 reps

3/15 100lbs on leg extension 12/11/10

6/30: 85 lbs Flat Bench Press (laughable, I know. My chest is so weak, but it's getting there!!!)

6/15: 3 sets of wide grip pull ups: 15/12/8 FINALLY!!!!

5/27: 3 sets of wide grip pull-ups: 14/11/9

5/5: 155 lb Deadlifts 3 sets of 10

4/24: 505 lb Leg Press 8 reps

4/3: Free weight squats- 175 lbs 10 reps

3/12: 495 lb Leg press 8 reps

3/8: 165 lb free weight squats--8 reps

2/19: Deadlifts 135 lbs 15/13/12/10/10

2/19: 75 lbs Flat Bench Press 15/14/10

2/10: Straight Leg Barbell Deadlift 155 lbs 8 reps

2/6: Lying Leg curl 80 lbs 2 sets of 8

2/6: Lunges with 90lb barbell (30)

2/6: 155 lb free weight squats--8 reps (end of the workout! =) )

2/4: Weighted dips (20lbs) 3 sets of 8, 1 set of 12 with 10 lbs

2/4: 40 lb db rows--end of workout, too! =)

2/2: 50 lb straight bar curls

1/30: 450 lbs Leg Press

1/12: 3 sets of wide grip pull-ups

1/14: 135 lb squats

1/30: Lunges with 40lb db's

Some inspiration to get me through the hard days.....

For every disciplined effort, there is a multiple reward!

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

Obsessed is what the lazy called the determined.

The more I am told NO, the harder I go! ~Ava Cowan (and now it's true for me, too!)

Train hard. Expect results. (not sure who said it but I stole it from my friend, Chris)

“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak”

“There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, [no person] that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.”

What it's all about!

This blog initially started out as a way for me to record my journey towards a figure competition. Since then, however, my whole lifestyle has changed. Therefore, my blog is taking a different approach. I will share about my journey towards HEALTH. That will include competitions, yes, but it's so much more. Varied workouts, a well balanced diet, mental health, etc. A lot of what I post on here will be wisdom I have gleamed from others, so I will always be sure to give credit where credit is due and point you towards those who have made this journey possible for me.