posted
02/8/12
Whether I’m training NFL players, celebrity clients or average Joes, I always tell my guys, work out like a woman. Now, I’m not suggesting you show up to the gym with a ponytail, sports bra and leggings. But a lot of guys’ workout energy is misplaced, whereas women—at least those who don’t wear makeup to the gym—know what they have to do to look and feel good. Here are five fitness lessons you can learn from the fairer sex.
If bench presses and biceps curls are the only movements you do, you’re going to look like a cast member on Jersey Shore. And I don’t mean that in a good way.
1. Work Your Backside
The average guy does three exercises in the gym: bench press, biceps curls and shoulder presses. But if these are the only movements you do, you’re going to look like a cast member on Jersey Shore. And I don’t mean that in a good way. Plus, your lower back will be killing you when you’re 50, or if you ever try to carry a backpack (or a child) around for a couple of hours. Instead, focus on posterior exercises—ones for the back of your body. Women get it. That’s why they do exercises like dips (to tighten up the backs of their arms) and pull-ups, lat pulldowns and low-weight, high-rep deadlifts (to strengthen their backs). You should, too.
2. Improve Your Posture
Generally, women have much better posture than men. One reason is, they do exercises that improve their posture. Another reason is, they know that if they stand up straight, their chest will appear bigger (which guys tend to like). You can do the same thing to increase the size of your chest, and you should. When you stand up straight, your stomach disappears, your chest jumps out and you look a lot healthier and confident—i.e., more attractive. Plus, practicing good posture will help you with balance (which you’ll find useful when playing sports or working out) and prevent back problems later in life.
Lunges are an underrated move. Also underrated? Watching women do them.
