Why Modifications are Your Friend

Have you ever been in a group fitness class and when the instructor mentions modifications and thought to yourself, “No way do I need those modifications” or maybe looked around the room to see if anyone else is doing them before deciding what option to take?

Don’t do that!!!

Who cares what Jane, Sally or Tom are doing, you need to listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

A Modification by definition is just the making of a limited change in something. It doesn’t mean it’s necessarily harder, or easier. It’s not cheating or slacking to use them. You are not being judged or scored by what version of a certain exercise you can do. It seems silly, but there are many people that will push themselves too hard or aggravate an injury because they are afraid to take the modification.

Here at root, we want you to know that a modification is simply another word for a personalization of a movement. By finding the option that works the best for you and your body you are showing your body respect and allowing yourself the ability to grow stronger and healthier in a safe manner.

By giving you choices in a workout, it allows you to meet your individual needs while still benefitting from the energy and support of a group exercise environment. Sometimes this means changing the motion to allow you to move through it more comfortable, sometimes it means increasing the challenge so that you get the most out of your workout.

How do you know if you need a modification? Our trainers are usually highly in tune to our members and may mention specific recommended modifications for you if we know of a specific injury or limitation you have, or notice you need a new challenge but there are several things you can pay attention to yourself to know when you should ask for an appropriate variation in a movement.

Some things to pay attention to are:

Does it hurt? Can you keep up?

Are you having trouble keeping your form correct?

Does it feel challenging enough?

If you answered yes to any of these questions than asking for help or modifications is the right thing to do. Whether it’s changing your weights, adjusting your posture, limiting the range of motion you do or adding a yoga block, towel or other equipment to help you complete an exercise, there are tons of ways we can try to help make a workout work for you.

So whether it’s doing a lunge on the floor or adding a challenge by lifting that back leg, or planking on you elbows, or with straight arms, or even on a BOSU- don’t be afraid of a modification, be proud of yourself for knowing your body and knowing what you need to be successful. Don’t worry about what the person next to you is doing, the only person you should strive to better than is the person you were yesterday!