In the dash for increased muscular strength and size, and the excitement which often accompanies the rapid physical improvements which follow on the beginning of a new physical fitness campaign or program of strength training workouts, it’s easy to overlook the importance of observing correct form when performing each and every exercise. It’s not so surprising, either, as the beginner will likely look enviously around the gym and see generously muscled, more experienced trainers, happily using “cheat” style reps. And of course, in the beginning, rapid gains in strength and muscle mass will result from training even when proper form isn’t observed, as untrained muscles will respond to almost any kind of work. Problems will arise later, however, as the inevitable training plateau is reached and it then becomes necessary to reduce poundages so as to enable correct form to be observed, before further progress can be made. Better, therefore, to follow strict exercise form from day one so as to avoid this kind of demoralising setback.



