Focus Your Fitness on Full Range Motions
Dave • December 17, 2018
Different exercises encourage different types of motion, and variety is the key to having healthy, strong flexibility. But a great deal of strength training and other programs focus on full range motions, especially if you want to get in a full workout but only have a short window of time for it. Motions like squats and yoga stretches demand large motions that fully extend and contract your muscles. But why is that so important?
Three Reasons Why Full Range Motions Are Great For Your Muscles and Your Health
- Exercising with a full range of motion strengthens the whole muscle. In a 2014 study reported in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research on partial versus full range motions while doing squats, scientists found that doing complete squats with as full a range of motion as your body could handle (which means squatting as deeply as you can without lifting your heels or injuring yourself) leads to more muscle growth. The extra strain on the muscle group at the end of the motion results in a greater load, which means a harder workout for your muscles. This is important not just for overall fitness. Being able to utilize your muscles even in awkward motions, such as when you’re moving furniture or doing yard work, is an important benefit of getting stronger. If you exercise only with a partial range of motion, you can’t tap into that strength when moving beyond the range of that particular set.
- Full range motions are better for your joints. That increase in load is also good for your joints! Tendons and ligaments need to be able to handle heavy weights and impact just as well as – if not better than – your muscles. Doing exercises that incorporate full range motions can do precisely that because they rely on natural body motions and strengthen the whole of the connective tissue in the area instead of strengthening only some exclusively. Exercising also plays an important part in reducing and delaying arthritis. Careful stretching and exercising can reduce the inflammation around your joints can increase a limited range of motion and can that increased range steady. This is especially important in prolonging a healthy life, as mobility is one of the greatest measurable factors in figuring out someone’s expected lifespan.
- It’s a good counter to sitting still all day. Working out won’t get rid of all the health risks associated with a desk job. Sitting still for the majority of the day – especially in an office chair that doesn’t help you keep good posture – and staring at a screen that is at the right ergonomic height can make your muscles stiff and hurt your back. The only way to truly erase the ramifications is to not do it, but that can be impossible in an office. That notwithstanding, a workout that uses the full range of your muscles’ motion can certainly help. Primarily, it helps counteract how sitting shortens your muscles. Sitting impacts your back shoulders, and chest, as well as your legs and feet. So doctors and fitness experts recommend stretches, lunging, and squats. These movements push your muscle groups to the limit, especially around your legs and torso, and you can do them when your schedule allows it because they take only a few repetitions and don’t need any equipment to do the basics.
Review Your Goals Before Starting Your Routine
Before you start or change your exercise routine, think about the benefits you want to gain. Are you looking for muscle growth or an overall increase in strength? Do you want flexibility or stamina? Are you recovering from an injury or training to reduce the likelihood of injury? No matter what the reason (and you might have all of these and more), incorporate the right full range of motion exercises into your routine for better health and fitness. To learn more about range of motion and functional fitness routines, please contact us today!
David Michael Gilbertson is the founder and president of 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU!. With more than 15 years of experience owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, David lectures, delivers seminars and gives workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. David also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. For more information on Licensing and Consulting Services Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com or email at daveg@3elementslifestyle.com or call (805) 499-3030.
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Embarking on a fitness and nutrition journey can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for beginners. At 3 Elements Lifestyle, we understand the importance of guiding newcomers through their initial steps toward a healthier lifestyle. In this blog, we will provide you with 10 practical tips that will help you kickstart your fitness and nutrition journey with confidence and determination. 1. Set Realistic Goals: Begin by setting realistic goals that align with your fitness and nutrition aspirations. Start with small, achievable targets to avoid feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you progress. Going cold turkey on your eating never works out. Go slow and let the body adjust. You are in it for the long run. 2. Find Your Motivation: Identify your personal motivation for pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Whether it's to improve your overall well-being, increase energy levels, or boost self-confidence, having a clear motivation will keep you focused and committed throughout your journey. Write your goals down, so you know exactly what they are. I recommend placing them in the refrigerator so you will see then every time you open it. 3. Participate in Group Classes: Joining group classes like at 3 Elements Lifestyle can provide you with the support and motivation needed to stay consistent. Our classes are always led by a trained instructor. The workouts include bodyweight training, HIIT, kettlebells, cardio, strength training, battle ropes, tire flipping, and offer a diverse range of workouts that cater to different fitness levels and preferences. 4. Prioritize Nutrition: Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand. Nourishing your body with the right foods will enhance your workouts and accelerate your progress. Poor quality food will do the opposite. Focus on consuming a balanced macro diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, lots of vegetables, and healthy fats. Consult a nutritionist for personalized advice if needed. 5. Stay Hydrated: This is a big one. Maintaining adequate hydration is essential for overall health and optimal workout performance. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after exercise. Hydration helps regulate body temperature, supports joint health, and aids in nutrient absorption. A good marker for daily water intake is to take your weight, divide it by two and drink that many ounces a day. 6. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals during workouts. Push yourself to challenge your limits, but also know when to rest and recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries and burnout, so allow yourself time for adequate rest and rejuvenation. 7. Incorporate Resistance Training: In addition to cardiovascular exercises, include resistance training in your workout routine. This helps build lean muscle mass, increases metabolism, and improves overall strength. Start with bodyweight exercises and gradually introduce kettlebells, weighted balls or weights as you progress. 8. Prioritize Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for muscle recovery and overall well-being. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support your fitness goals. Establish a bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment to optimize restful sleep. 9. Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your fitness and nutrition journey to track your progress effectively. Monitor changes in your strength, endurance, and body composition. This will not only help you stay motivated but also enable you to make adjustments to your routine as necessary. 10. Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate your accomplishments along the way, no matter how small. Recognize your dedication and hard work by treating yourself to a non-food-related reward or sharing your achievements with friends and family. Remember, every step counts! In conclusion, embarking on a fitness and nutrition journey as a beginner can be challenging, but with the right guidance and mindset, it becomes an empowering experience. At 3 Elements Lifestyle, we are committed to helping you kickstart your journey on the right foot. By setting realistic goals, prioritizing nutrition, staying consistent, and listening to your body, you'll be well on your way to achieving a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Get ready to unleash your potential and embrace the transformative power of fitness and nutrition, and a better, healthier life! Stay healthy my friend! Dixon Troyer is the President of Operations at 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU! With more than 15 years of gym and club experience, owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, Dixon lectures, delivers seminars and workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. Dixon also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com , email at Dixon@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030.
Embarking on a fitness journey is an exciting endeavor, but setbacks can sometimes throw us off track. Whether it's due to an injury, lack of motivation, or a busy schedule, setbacks can derail our progress. Covid stay at home orders also caused some major setbacks, including weight gain and poor health, where some people are now afraid to go to the gym. However, with the right mindset and approach, we can overcome these challenges and regain momentum on the path to a healthier, fitter self. We all want that, right? In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies to help you bounce back stronger by harnessing the power of group fitness classes. 1. Reflect, Reset, and Reconnect: Take a moment to reflect on the setback and acknowledge it as a natural part of the fitness journey. Embrace the opportunity to reset your goals and priorities. Group fitness classes can be an excellent choice to help you reconnect with your fitness routine. They provide structure, variety, and a supportive community that can reinvigorate your passion for fitness. 2. Gradual Progression within a Supportive Environment: Group fitness classes offer a structured and progressive approach to exercise. Whether it's high-intensity interval training (HIIT), body weight training or strength training, these classes are designed to accommodate various fitness levels. Starting with low-impact options or modified movements, you can gradually progress and rebuild your strength while being mindful of your body's limitations. The supportive environment of the class encourages camaraderie, providing motivation and accountability to help you stay consistent. 3. Expert Guidance and Personalized Attention: Group fitness classes are typically led by certified instructors who have the knowledge and experience to guide you through proper techniques and form. They can help you adapt exercises to fit your specific needs, ensuring safety and preventing further setbacks. Additionally, instructors often offer modifications or alternative exercises, catering to different fitness levels and abilities. This personalized attention helps you navigate any limitations while still challenging yourself. 4. Motivation and Accountability: One of the most significant advantages of group fitness classes is the built-in support system. Exercising alongside others who share similar goals and challenges can be highly motivating. The collective energy and positive atmosphere during classes can push you to give your best effort, even on days when you feel less motivated. The sense of camaraderie and accountability within the group fosters consistency and helps you stay committed to your fitness journey. 5. Fun and Variety: Here at 3 Elements Lifestyle, we offer group fitness classes that will be a different workout every day, focusing on upper body, lower body, cardio and core every workout. That variety is ensuring that you'll find something you enjoy. The variety keeps workouts exciting and prevents boredom. This variety will hopefully reignite your enthusiasm for exercise, making it easier to get back on track after a setback. Conclusion: Experiencing setbacks on your fitness journey is normal, but it's how you bounce back that truly matters. By reflecting on the setback, resetting your goals, and reconnecting with group fitness classes, you can regain your motivation and momentum. Embrace the supportive environment, expert guidance, inspiration, and variety that group fitness classes offer. You'll not only recover from setbacks but also find new levels of strength, endurance, and enjoyment on your path to a healthier, fitter you. Let’s get back on track, embrace the power of group fitness, and be amazed at the positive impact it can have on your overall well-being. Stay healthy my friend! Dixon Troyer is the President of Operations at 3 Elements Lifestyle, LLC., a Fitness and Weight Loss company that specializes in YOU! With more than 15 years of gym and club experience, owning, operating and managing clubs of all sizes, Dixon lectures, delivers seminars and workshops on the practical skills required to successfully help you with your health and fitness goals. Dixon also helps you build the teamwork, management, and training necessary to open your own fitness center. Visit his Web site at: www.3elementslifestyle.com , email at Dixon@3elementslifestyle.com or call 805.499.3030.