We all know it, even if we are reluctant to actually do it. Working out is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Regular exercise can help improve your energy, memory, and self-esteem. Doing an intensive workout multiple times a week can also help you perform better at the physical activities you love. Everything from team sports, hiking, boxing, and more will be better with regular training.
When we hit the weights, it can be tempting to focus on just a few muscle groups. People have a tendency to work the upper body more than the legs. The chest tends to get more attention with all that bench pressing, while it seems easy to pass on back workouts like lat pull downs or bent rows.
However, it is really important to fight these tendencies and make sure you get a full-body workout. There are a number of reasons why this is important. One of the most important reasons is to prevent injuries. The muscles and joints in our bodies work a lot like pulley systems. There are muscle groups that complement the work of other muscles. If you work one area more than the other, you risk injury. For example, if you work your quads a lot more than your hamstrings, the imbalance can make pulling or tearing a hamstring more likely when running.
You can also suffer from discomfort when not getting a balanced full body workout. If you work your chest a lot more than your back, then you can get more knots in your back as the muscles in the area tend to pull to compensate for the imbalance.
Getting a full body workout really helps with physical performance during sports. Boxing, for example, is about a lot more than the upper body. You generate a lot of power from your legs and core in addition to your arms, shoulders, and chest. You also need strong, fit legs for good movement and stamina when working out or sparring with a partner. The same goes for other sports.
A full body workout can also help with your overall energy level. Plus, doing a greater range of exercises keeps your workouts interesting, which can help keep you stay motivated and regularly going to the gym.
Finally, a full body workout gives your body the proper proportions. A well-developed upper body on spindly legs just doesn’t look as good as it could with greater attention paid to the full body.
To help you get a great full body workout on a regular basis, and to put that well-developed body to work, join a Legends Boxing gym near you. You will find a friendly group of workout buddies, learn new skills, and will better be able to get or stay in excellent shape.