Deadlifts have become one of the most popular exercises in the gym. You've probably noticed more and more people spending a significant amount of time working out with Olympic weights in recent years, but, more specifically doing deadlifts.  There's a good reason for this; for such a primitive and simplistic exercise, it carries numerous benefits which can help nearly anybody, no matter what their fitness goals.

The simplicity of a deadlift is perfectly described in the exercises' name; it's literally the action of lifting dead-weight up off of the floor, usually with a long bar and weights on either side.  Traditionally, you would have seen deadlifts done in one form of competition or another; maybe in a strongman contest or Crossfit type of setting where the goal is to lift as much weight as possible at one time or as many times as possible.

But, deadlifts don't always need to always consist of lifting one's maximum amount of weight.  In fact, that can be the most detrimental mistake when performing the exercise. The term quality over quantity is the best rule of thumb in the case of both an average person in the gym or anyone training with a specific purpose; focus on a quality form and technique versus the quantity of weight lifted.

While lifting a dead weight off of the floor seems like a simple task, performing a deadlift with proper technique is another story and is essential for 2 reasons. First of all, no matter the amount of weight you're trying to lift, if you're doing it with improper form you will, at some point, injure yourself.  Second, there are numerous benefits to performing a deadlift correctly so you want to make sure it's being done efficiently and effectively.

A Fitness Focus Trainer would definitely the best recommendation to learn how to deadlift for efficiency and effectiveness; but let's dig more into why you should incorporate deadlifting into your workout and what benefits you can expect to see.

Posture

Some general aches and pains we deal with in our normal day to day life can be related directly to our posture.  Tight chest muscles and ribs, lower back soreness; even stiffness in the knees all tie directly to our posture while we're walking, standing or even sitting.  Adding proper deadlifts consistently into your routine can activate and develop and strengthen the muscles around these areas and helps improve posture, ultimately alleviating these common aches and pains.

Reducing the possibility of Injuries

Legs and back have the most and largest muscles out of every body part.  They are also the body parts which are used the most for a majority of your day to day functions such as going up and down stairs carrying objects and balancing.  Weaker muscles in your legs and back means there's a higher likelihood of an injury accompanied by a longer recovery process.    Developing and conditioning the muscles in and around your legs and back are your best bet for avoiding injuries in the first place.

Use More Muscle Groups

Deadlifts use more muscles than any other exercise. Core muscles including abs, obliques and lower back are engaged through the entire exercise.  Grip strength improves through the use of hand and forearms.  Upper back and trapezius muscles which tie into the neck. So, if you were only allowed to use one exercise for the rest of your life, your best choice is a deadlift; it incorporates all the major muscles groups which mean less need to target many of the secondary muscles.

If you're convinced about the power of the deadlift, and you want to learn how or to improve your technique on this or any other exercise in and out of the gym contact a trainer trainer today.

At Fitness Focus, the goal is to offer a fitness center with a welcoming, fun and safe environment that all ages can enjoy. They are a forerunner in the fitness industry in Saskatoon . With the ever changing fitness demands of new and improved classes, training; and nutrition. They are your TRUSTED SASKATOON FITNESS EXPERTS!  

 
The change of seasons can throw off your fitness routine considerably. If you're used to running around your neighborhood after work, you may be hesitant to keep that hobby up once the sun starts going down at 5 p.m. Adjusting your fitness routine can take some effort, but your goals shouldn't disintegrate just because the seasons start to change. 
 

INSPIRE YOURSELF 
SUB IN WINTER ACTIVITIES 
Baggy clothing, unhealthy snacking and pushing back your bedtime will all conspire to land you on the couch during the winter months. Instead, look for small changes you can make to give your body a very different message. Wearing a fitted cardigan is a way to let yourself see the results that you've made after all your workouts. Going to bed earlier is the best way to wake up earlier feeling rested and refreshed so you can go for that morning run. Skipping the potato chips at your mid-afternoon break and substituting whole grains can give you the energy you need to stay on track. 
 
Ice skating, skiing and sledding are all great ways to burn calories while enjoying the new season. And while you may need to travel a few Kilometers to find a rink or trail the effort will be well worth it. Not only will you be testing and improving your physical stamina, but you'll also be learning or improving upon a skill. If you come back from an activity and your shoes are soaked through, put crushed up newspapers inside them and set them in a warm (but not hot) place. Too much heat can wear down the materials of your expensive shoes. 
 
Another option to keep up with your fitness plans during winter is to start using a gym. Fitness Focus provides all the tools for any person to pursue growth and empowerment through personal challenge. Working out a a gym offers you consistency so you're less likely to alter your routine no matter what season it is. Contact us today and see how we can help you maintain or achieve your fall winter goals!
 
Fitness Focus are TRUSTED SASKATOON GYM and Fitness Experts

Why it's so hard to stay with your workouts long term

What's the reason we give up on our gym regimen? 

“By Failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

– Benjamin Franklin

Prepare your exercises

Have a clear idea of what your workout is going to look like. Going to the gym without a clear idea of what you plan to accomplish is like going for groceries without a shopping list. Do that, and you're probably going to miss out on some important things you meant to buy.  You're also likely going to end up spending more money than you had hoped you would; and the amount of time you'll spend wandering the aisles wondering what you missed is just time wasted.

Plan out your days, and prepare you exercises.

It helps to know what the purpose of the day's workout is. An example, if you know day 1 consists of a leg work out and some cardio; maybe day 2 will include cardio followed by a yoga class and day 3 will be upper body.  That's perfect; you've already answered the question of where does your attention need to be focused for today's workout

To really make the best use of your time at the gym, you need to know which direction you're going to go the second you walk in the building.  Have your exercises prepared by having a training program.  With a little experience going to the gym, a person could easily come up with a suitable program for themselves. 

You can pick a generic fitness program from nearly any source online; which can sometimes be helpful in giving some different ideas and perspectives.  But your ideal solution for how to best use your time in the gym will always be to hire a trainer and have them create a program for you.  If you have a goal to weigh a certain weight and you need the most efficient workout possible, a professionally made program can be properly tailored around your specific goals and needs.  

In the end 

The most common reason that anyone has for quitting the gym and dumping a workout routine is lack of time in a day.  It is true; the gym sometimes does need to take a backseat to some other important things in life like work and family, that's why it needs to be factored in by planning it out. 

If sacrificing your health and longevity seems like the only solution in making a busy life a little more manageable; just know that a little preparation can go a long way.  Your time at the gym doesn't need to take up a lot of your day. A visit to the gym can be made much more efficient, meaning you can be in and out much quicker, hence your workouts won't interfere with the rest of your life.

This February we're beyond excited to present to Saskatoon, Puppy Yoga!  This is our first ever time offering this event which we've aptly called Mutts & Mats: Yoga for a New Hope. What could be more enjoyable than a relaxing Yoga class, surrounded by adorable 3-month old puppies? While this class is currently sold out, the initial response has been so overwhelming, we plan to provide this class again in the very near future.

If you've ever been to our gym you've likely met our Gym Dog named Dak.  Having Dak around, and the reception he's gotten from all of our member, we've realized what an admiration you all have for dogs.  We've also realized just how many of you out there all have a furry family member of your own. We figured it was only fitting to combine something as lovable as dogs with something so many of you are so passionate about as Yoga.  And hey, if yoga can be made more popular with the addition of cats or goats, then puppy yoga might just be the best thing ever invented.

Our friends at New Hope Dog Rescue in Saskatoon will be bringing their newest litter of German Shepherd cross puppies to explore and play around the Fitness Focus yoga studio while all the participants find their zen. All proceeds raised by Mutts & Mats will be going to New Hope Dog Rescue, which provides financial aid for emergency surgeries, housing, food and other expenses associated with the process of finding dogs a forever home.