Everyday I see people at the gym working out on the cardio machines with incorrect form! There is the gal who holds the handles on the treadmill, raises the incline to it’s highest and walks while reading – yikes! She is not working balance, proprioception and stability if she is holding on! Then there is the guy slumped over a stationary bike pedaling furiously, or the woman on the elliptical pushing from the balls of her feet rather than from the entire foot. In fact, the majority of people I see on the cardio machines at any given moment in the gym are not working efficiently, effectively and safely!
I often correct a client’s form while strength training but I also pay careful attention to form on cardio machines. Body awareness is key to good form, and so is paying attention while working out! Reading and listening to music can be a distraction that many people don’t need because they tend to zone out during exercise. Of course music is a wonderful motivator but please check your form if you are using the cardio machines or outside for a run etc!
