REASONS TO MODIFY EXERCISES
If you’re not using modifications to your advantage, you’re seriously missing out. Exercise modifications are your new best friend.
Every person is different and has different anatomy, injuries, and fitness levels.
Smart modifications can mean the difference between always being injured and a consistent healthy fitness program.
WHAT ARE EXERCISE MODIFICATIONS?
Exercise modifications are adjusting variables and decreasing complexity to work with your body.
The more complex the activity, the more moving parts, the more muscles and joints involved, and the more you have to monitor and keep track of.
WHY ARE EXERCISE MODIFICATIONS IMPORTANT?
Modifications aren’t just for beginners, slackers, older people, or those with injuries. Exercise modifications can help remove barriers and make workouts more accessible.
Have you ever heard the phrase “work smarter not harder?” Exercise modifications can help you with that!
If you’re constantly hurting yourself when you’re working out because you’re not listening to your body, you won’t be able to keep up with fitness for very long.
That’s a red flag that something(s) you’re doing isn’t working for you.
If you’d like to be a healthy and active 40/60/80 year-old, you will need to think about how you can stay active and healthy for more than just today.
Take your ego out of the equation by thinking you have to be at a certain level. Instead, listen to your body and be honest with yourself.
We get so caught up in what other people will think of us. Be a good example, and maybe your modification will inspire someone else to take one and avoid injury as well.
Your level can be fluid. How do you feel today?
Some common conditions requiring modifications include:
- Cardiac Conditions
- Asthma or other conditions that affect breathing
- Pregnancy
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Recovering from an injury
Necessary modifications will vary based on conditions.
This is not a complete list, so speak with your health care providers and learn what you should and shouldn’t do for fitness activities.
Modifications are unique to your condition or needs, so be sure to do your research based on what YOU need.
Some common questions are:
DO I NEED TO DECREASE MY INTENSITY?
Perceived intensity varies from person to person.
You can always control how hard you’re working. Get in tune with your body and check in with intensity using a 0-10 scale.
IF IT JUST DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT
Sometimes, things just don’t feel right. This could be a cue to check in with your form.
So often people think a move is bad for them because it doesn’t feel right. In reality, the root of the problem could be poor form. Talk to your HIIT Logic coach and seek out modification options before you swear it off forever.
I’M JUST NOT INTO THIS TODAY
But I showed up, so I’m going to meet halfway instead of doing nothing at all. This happens from time to time, even in those who love to exercise.
If it’s happening all the time, probably best to have a chat with yourself and maybe revisit your goals.
LIMITED STRENGTH OR FLEXIBILITY
Everyone has to start somewhere and there’s no shame. Exercise modifications are a wonderful option to meet you where you are.
Learn your limits and how to progress smartly to avoid overdoing it.
YOU’RE NOT INJURED BUT YOU’RE MANAGING AN ISSUE
Maybe X injury doesn’t bother you today but flares up intermittently.
Learn what sets you off so you can avoid that.
And if you know when you perform Y you’ll be in pain for several days or weeks, don’t do that!
AS ALWAYS SPEAK TO YOUR HIIT LOGIC COACH OR SHOOT US AN EMAIL INFO@HIITLOGIC.COM AND WE WILL GLADLY GIVE MODIFICATION SUGGESTIONS