Have you ever geared up for a new exercise program or gym membership only to discover you have no idea where to begin? Should I do cardio or lift weights? What about all of those fitness classes – Zumba or Pure Pump? Jane told me that yoga worked well for her, so maybe that will also work for me? These are just a few of the questions that might run through your head when walking into the gym for the first time or returning after a prolonged hiatus.
Perhaps the first question you should ask yourself should not be about what exercise to do, but rather, what positions can my body control (we should all be control freaks when our well-being is on the line). Once you have a better understanding of what your body wants to do, you will be in a safer position to decide what exercise would be most appropriate. Every individual is unique with the limitations or imbalances they may have developed over time and it is critical to address these before you put your body into a vulnerable position. The most effective health modality that I have found to address these issues is Muscle Activation Techniques. MAT focuses directly on identifying muscular imbalances and establishing a stable environment for your body to work in. This can be accomplished through a very specific form of manual therapy where the MAT specialist will stimulate the inhibited muscles to ensure it is functioning properly. Afterwards, corrective isometric exercises can be utilized to reinforce all joint positions to help optimize each workout. It is crucial that we do not attempt to “work through” the imbalance hoping that it will sort itself out. I am sure that this is something we all try to do at some point, however in these situations, the typical outcome is counterproductive. The compensating muscles will continue to become stronger while the inhibited muscles weaken. The overall result is a larger imbalance of what you first started off with, ultimately further from your goal. Our “current settings” are always changing and thus need to be addressed frequently. If you utilize Muscle Activation Techniques as a pre-requisite to any form of exercise, you are increasing the opportunity for success while decreasing the risk that is involved.
Try this – Before you attempt any exercise, move your body through the positions that are required. For example prior to performing a shoulder press, raise both of your arms over your head to ensure the range of motion that you require your body to move through is available at that given time. If it isn’t there, don’t push through it! That will only make things worse! Get assessed by a MAT specialist in order to prepare your body for the exercise you want to accomplish! Train smart and have fun!