When it comes to exercise, we all want to maximize our benefit and minimize the amount of time we put in. Life is busy, and nobody has time for time consuming or complicated workouts! As a result, lots of new workouts have surfaced in the wellness space that promise quick results and little time commitment. However, if any product or program seems too good to be true, it probably is—they could even be dangerous if they’re not done properly. We asked Heather Perren, a Lagree Fitness senior master trainer, what trendy new cardio exercises could be more dangerous than you think, and how to work out safely.
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According to Perren, one very popular and fairly new workout to be wary of is CrossFit. If you’re unfamiliar, CrossFit is a high intensity interval training method that involves heavy and fast paced workouts for short periods. While the high calorie burn and exertion you experience during CrossFit could help with strength building and weight loss, it could pose a threat for some.
“While CrossFit seems amazing and can produce great results, it poses a high risk for injury. Additionally, the majority of people can not sustain this type of workout long term—this workout is extremely high impact, and I have seen many clients come to me after suffering shoulder injuries after years of CrossFit. It is extreme and that level of workout can only be sustained for so long.” If you have any injuries or problems with muscle or joint pain, this type of exercise could be dangerous and exacerbate discomfort.
Another trendy workout system that many have been opting for the past few years, especially with social distancing in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, is Youtube or social media tutorials. While something is better than nothing, these types of workouts don’t give you the opportunity to learn proper form or have someone around to spot you. With many of us going back to the gym recently and using free weights or machines, using improper form is very dangerous and should be acknowledged, according to Perren.
“Proper form, in any workout, is essential for a safe and effective workout in order to prevent injuries. It’s dangerous to be working out with heavy weights without knowing the proper form or having someone there to spot you!” She says, “Ask for a training session at your local gym to help instruct you on form if you’re new to working out with weights. Long term this will give you the longevity in the workout you’re looking to achieve.” Also, slow and steady wins the race—be sure to go slow and be aware of how you’re standing and holding movements.
With all of this in mind, what are some safe forms of cardio that won’t increase your risk of injury and are generally low impact? “I believe Lagree Fitness is incredibly effective as a cardio workout because it combines cardio, strength training and muscular endurance in a high intensity, low impact, full body circuit workout. Your heart rate stays elevated—it will hit the anaerobic threshold and a heart rate over 145/150 bpm when done correctly.” Perren explains. “Also, spinning is another great form of cardio, either at home on a bike or in the studio. The amount of sweat that pours off of me in every ride is incredible, my heart rate goes up, and I always feel challenged. Spinning is a great way to increase your cardio and tone and strengthen your legs.”
At the end of the day, consistency is key in any workout regimen. So, the best kind of exercise is the kind that you love, and don’t mind doing regularly. Regardless of what form of exercise you choose, be sure you’re using proper form and keeping your physical limitations in mind so you don’t cause injury. Trying something like cycling or the Lagree method are great ways to get your blood pumping without harming yourself or making old injuries worse!
