Why Exercise Technique Isn't Everything: And Why Online Workouts Are Just As Good As In Person
Have you ever been told that having proper exercise technique is the key to getting a great workout? Well, we're here to debunk that myth. The truth is, while having proper technique can help to prevent injury and improve muscle activation, the most important thing when it comes to exercise is consistency. The more consistently you exercise, the better results you'll see - regardless of your technique. In fact, online workouts have become increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts everywhere, and for good reason. In this blog, we'll explain why technique isn’t as important as we are led to believe, and why online workouts are so great.
Firstly, what is proper exercise technique? What might be perfect form on one person, may be inefficient on another. People are so unique that it is difficult to define what proper exercise technique actually is (plus, people with so-called “perfect form” can still get injured). Many people get hung up on perfecting their technique before even starting to exercise regularly, which can lead to a lot of wasted time and missed opportunities. It’s far better to start exercising consistently, even if your technique isn’t perfect, than to wait until your technique is flawless, to begin.
(Side note here: who realistically can start something completely new with flawless technique? We’re pretty sure that even Michael Phelps and Simone Biles and Cathy Freeman and any other famous athlete you like weren’t perfect when they first started).
The truth is, the benefits of exercise come from the stress it places on your body. When you exercise, your body responds by adapting to the stress, and this is what leads to improvements in strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Whilst having nice technique can help to maximise the efficiency, or effectiveness, of this stress, it's not necessary for it to take place. And if we only train with ‘perfect’ form, what happens when we have to move in different ways that we haven’t trained in? Life is not set up like a gym or a studio, so allowing yourself permission to move and train in different types of ways, no matter how odd or imperfect it may look, may actually have long term benefits.
Another side note: Usain Bolt’s sprinting technique, or gait, is sometimes identified as being asymmetrical (ie not perfect)… and he is an 8-time Olympic gold medalllist.
So if technique doesn’t matter… why not work out from the comfort of your own home?
This is where online workouts come into play. With online workouts, you have the ability to exercise consistently, without having to worry about perfect technique. You don’t have to worry about travel, or packing your change of clothes; you can even workout in your pyjamas!
Working out online makes it easier to take things at your own pace (and here at Achieve Pilates, all workouts are offered with modifications or progressions for each exercise, making it easy to adjust the workout to your own needs and abilities). Working out at home can also be more convenient and cheaper - many items you would use in a gym or studio (such as dumbbells, bands, or a barre), can be replaced with things already in the house (such as full water bottles / cans of food, towels, or a countertop or back of a chair respectively).
Don't just take our word for it - studies have shown that online workouts can be just as effective as in-person workouts (and given the last two years, situations have been ripe for studying exactly this!). One study found that participants who followed an online fitness program experienced significant improvements in body composition and physical fitness (suggesting it doesn’t really matter where you work out, as long as you DO workout - consistency really is the key!). And despite common beliefs, studies have also shown it is definitely possible to develop meaningful relationships with your fellow class mates and instructors / coaches if you are participating in online training - and that SMS support and accountability, such as that offered through Achieve Pilates, actually helped participants stick to and ‘achieve’ their goals.
Just because you’re working out online doesn’t mean you can’t have someone with you in person!
In conclusion, exercise technique is not the most important thing when it comes to getting a great workout. Consistency is key, and online workouts make it easier than ever to exercise consistently and conveniently. So don't worry too much about having perfect technique - just get moving!
Want to get moving with Achieve Pilates? Visit our home page for more information on our 6 Week Strong Healthy Back Challenge, or click the button below if you’re ready to apply!