Form follows function or function follows form?

In the world of Architecture and Design, concepts of building are usually dictated either by its form or by its function. Some architects prioritize forms and often neglects the functionality of the building that leads to a higher construction cost. It also gives the owner of the building a headache in terms of operation. “Bahala basta nindot ang building”. Some also makes the building very functional and the forms become a big match box.

Moving to the world of fitness and sports, the landscape has immensely changed wherein professional sports spend time training to get stronger and faster on a specific sport. Despite that, we are still left very much behind in the development of our major sports. But don’t get me wrong. Our athletes are tough and will be able to compete in world-class level. But we need proper training, nutrition and a grassroots development training that focuses on the sport as a whole and not only serves individual interest.

Going back to basic, form is top priority in training. You should never compromise your form just to finish your workout faster than the other guy. If you have perfect form, then the function will follow. The benefits and effects of the workout will follow. The bigger range of motion you make, means more muscles are being recruited and gets involved. It is as simple as that!

Some may be able to push their limit on a chest press machine but can’t even make one simple push up. Rowing machine is good for isolating your back muscle and one can row as heavy as it can be but again this same person won’t be able to do one simple pull up or chin up. I for one am guilty of this.

Make workouts simple and being simple is more effective compared to complicated workouts. Be able to progress and if you will have a difficult time, ask for regress option from your trainer.  Body weight squat is the most underrated exercise. Sad to say, most are putting more emphasis on the number of plates they carry rather than the simplest principle of squat of “not pushing your knee over your toes”.  A perfect squat is just like seating on the chair and standing up. Perfect this form before proceeding to the next.

So on your next workout or training, choose the smaller dumbbells or weights or no weights at all and focus on your form first. Perfect your body weight exercises before using complicated exercise machines. Focus on big muscle group like your chest, back and legs. Bicep, triceps and shoulders are small muscle and are often recruited if you do the basic workout properly. Do the form properly then it will function properly.

SIDELINE:To all the participants of the Consolacion Mountainbike Duathlon, please claim your race bib and bike numbers this afternoon at YKK Bikes along Legaspi Street, Missing Link in Robinsons Galleria Cebu or at Cycle Logic in Parkmall.