"Is Perfect Form really that Perfect "
When we first start training be are bombarded with advice from every corner with every notion conceivable regarding weight training. Many people are solely expressing their personal opinions, but the one universal topic always conversed is about Perfect Form. You know, you've heard it all before. You need to use perfect form otherwise you will limit growth, limit training effect, invite injuries etc etc. But honestly, is perfect form really that perfect, and it so called perfect form the way to go.
In the gym world, perfect form means when performing an exercise, you take the exercise through a full range of motion (ROM). Now what does this mean? It means taking an exercise from full extension to full flexion, whilst remaining in control of the exercise , and isolating the muscle group that you are intending to train. In english, this means is if your training biceps with a barbell curl, you lower the weight all the way down and curl to the top, with no swing of your body or assistance from other muscle groups. Whilst this sounds good in theory, it is flawed in its design.
Everyone shares the same basic body physiology, but at the same time we are unique. What seems perfect for one is not perfect for another. In other words, perfect form might be comfortable for one person but not for another. Perfect form is very rigid, and as such can induce injury.
SAY WHAT? We were always told that using perfect form reduces injury!
So we all were at the beginning, it doesn't matter that things don't change. The true meaning of perfect form should be to use a fluid, controlled movement by the individual. Some call this using correct bio-mechanical form, but I just call this loosening up abit. By slightly loosing your form, you let the movement become more natural. The human body isn't used to being held in a rigid position under stress. If it wants to move slightly, then so be it.
Exercises such as squats and bench presses need to remain a little more rigid for safety, but exercises such as curls, side lateral raises etc - feel free to loosen up. Not only is it safer, but you will be able to significantly increase the amount of overload you can handle, therefore increased growth.
During you next session, give it a go and I bet you are pleasantly surprised.
On that note, loosening up a little doesn't mean cheating. By training this way, all you are doing is letting your body move naturally to reduce internal stresses during an exercise.