When overhauling the technique of an exercise you’re familiar with, or when learning a new exercise, there are many points to remember. To begin with you’ll be unable to remember all of them. But with time you should be able to execute correct technique automatically.
Use a checklist for each exercise to remind you of the key points that are not yet embedded in your mind. Even an experienced trainee can develop bad habits, and would benefit from such a checklist.
Write a checklist for each exercise that needs it, on a separate card for each. But before you compose these lists, review the relevant sections in this book.
Use bold, clear writing on the cards. And keep the checklist brief. But each phrase or word will remind you of something to which you must pay special attention.
Review the relevant card prior to doing an exercise. Of course, don’t read as you lift.
A spotter or training partner can be of tremendous value for giving you reminders of specific technique points. This can ensure that you don’t break any of the points on your checklists. This applies to all rep counts, but perhaps especially to high-rep sets where concentration may be particularly challenging to sustain.
A reminder from a spotter or training partner may be all that you need to keep your technique on track. Not only will this keep your technique correct, it will help you to reach your rep target. Suppose, for example, you lose the right groove during a set of squats. This reduction of control will decrease your chances of making your rep target, but greatly increase the risk of injury.
As valuable as technique checklists are, however, they are no substitute for serious study of the detailed technique descriptions given in this book. And even after you’ve studied all of this book you’ll need to revisit parts of it regularly. Review the technique of the exercises in each program you undertake, and apply correct technique to every exercise you use.
No one can remember everything. Everyone benefits from review work.