It must be that time of year when magazines feature every kind of workout and exercise imaginable for the new year. They pop out from their glossy and glamorous pages. They beckon you to replicate them perfectly. A host of fit people (fitness models) display the latest and greatest in fitness workout trends.
A client recently showed me a new way of stretching her hips that she had discovered in a fitness magazine – a men’s magazine no less. I scrutinized the photo and was mortified by what I saw – a contorted man possessing terrible form!!!!! Not only was it terrible – it was incorrect. The very thought that my client was doing this stretch set off red flags in my head. Bing – Bing – Bing – my brain like a slot machine in Vegas was on overdrive just thinking about all of the people out there who rely on fitness magazines for guidance. They rip, clip and cut out articles, workouts and exercises that may not be correct or appropriate for them.
These days you can get an entire workout in a magazine. Of course the majority of the models are svelte and in top shape, they make these exercises seem like a no brainer. Consumer beware – while I’ve seen some great stuff in them, I’ve also seen some things that alarm me. Don’t believe what you see – read the directions on how to do the exercise. Oh no – directions aren’t always correct either!! When in doubt consult with a fitness professional, never do something that isn’t right for you.
