Common Exercise Mistake #3: Never Using Full Range of Motion

If you have ever been to a gym, you have probably seen someone doing these exercises:

There is nothing inherently wrong about either of these exercises, but all too often theses exercises are done exclusively. In the first exercise the person does not raise his arms above level. The shoulder joints has one of the largest ranges of motion, yet all too often half of these motions are ignored.

In the common sit-up, the same problem exists in that there is no lumbar extension. The person stops at neutral. People are often afraid of goingg into extension, in fear of low back pain. Yet, if we never us this range of motion during exercise, it is guaranteed that you will become dysfunctional doing any movements in this range. Also, this results in an excessive amount of lumbar flexion, which is unfortunate, as this position is akin to someone slouching.

If you are doing these exercises, and have chronic shoulder pain or low back pain, please contact my office for a consultation at (616) 301-3000.

Most Common Exercise Mistake #2:

Too much abs, not enough low back.


How many ab exercises can you name?
How many low back exercises can you name?
Have you ever seen a program called "the secret to tree-trunk-like low back muscles?"
We tend to focus on what we can see (abs, pecs, biceps).
We also tend to avoid exercising areas where we have had pain in the past, yet this is exactly where we need to to focus most.

New Years Resolution Exercise Mistakes

As a former personal trainer, it became apparent to me how unprepared I was in handling client's injuries. Resurfacing back pain, rotator cuff danage or knee ligament tears would constantly create unwanted setbacks. My training and experience as a Chiropractor has now allowed me some insights into common training mistakes. As you are now hopefully making strides to incorporate more physical activity into your life as part of a new year's resolution, please use common sense and heed some advice from someone who has helped many people through these common exercise pitfalls.

Common mistake #1: poor posture during exercise. If you cannot maintain good posture while exercising, there is no chance you will be able to maintain it during everyday activities. Excessive forward head posture is by far the most common.