When it comes to working out, it’s important to make sure you’re executing the correct form for even the simplest of exercises. Incorrect form can lead to muscle strain, injury, or create unnecessary aches and pains.

So before you head to your next sweat sesh, we’re sharing five common workout moves that you might be doing wrong.

Push-ups

Push-ups are a full-body workout that engages your core, triceps, shoulders, hips, and pecs. Although one of the most basic moves, they’re often done incorrectly – you might be letting your hips sink or lifting them too high. To get the most out of your push-ups, keep your body in a straight line all the way from your head to your feet (engage your core!) and keep your arms directly below your shoulders.

Lunges

Lunges are probably something you do a lot, but what’s the proper form? Keep your chest up, head forward, and knees and hips facing forward. When you lunge, your knee should be directly above your foot in a perfectly straight line. Keep your back foot in line and the weight on the ball of your foot.

Squats

Instagram influencers and fitness coaches alike swear by the effectiveness of this workout move. To squat properly, stand with your feet a little wider than hip-width apart. Pretend like your heels are glued in place as you drive them deeper into the ground. Push your hips back as you sit into a squat position. Try to squat at a 90-degree angle, then return to a standing position and thrust your hips slightly forward, squeezing your glutes tight.

Deadlifts

Deadlifts are a great workout for your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core, and can be done with dumbbells, kettlebells, or a bar. It’s important to bend at your hip joints, not your waist, and keep a completely flat back all the way through the exercise.

Planks

Flat back, tight glutes, and eyes to the floor – this is the sure-fire recipe for good plank form. You want to avoid rounding your back or letting your hips drop as this will cause strain in your lower back muscles. Keep your gaze straight down to avoid neck pain.

xx, The FabFitFun Team

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