Who cares about technique

"What is the best type of exercise?" I often get asked…. I will come back to this question but first I've been meaning to write this blog post for a while as I realised that perhaps not everyone appreciates what you should expect from a fitness trainer or coach.We have recently had a lady come to our bootcamp class in Bath who was already pretty fit as she had been going to some other group classes. One of the main reasons she decided to stay was that she was being properly coached about technique and therefore after the class felt the right muscles aching because she had been doing it properly.For example the Plank exercise can easily be done wrong as shown below, and instead of strengthening your core it will either be less effective (hips high in air - middle image) or putting massive strain on your lower back (hips dropped low - last image)She realised that doing things really fast isn't always the answer and that a controlled move with good technique/form will get better results. It appears that the what she is learning and the benefits it is bringing is a world away from what she has experienced with other group classes in the past so she has signed up for our 6 month bootcamp programme.This is not to say that all other group classes do not give good coaching and technique as I know of some great trainers out there but sadly you don't always get what you deserve. I sometimes participate in other group classes at variety of places (as I love to workout with other people) and I experience first hand how poor some (not all) of the coaching is.One of the reasons we cap our numbers at bootcamp is to ensure we can coach properly and our workouts always look at working different parts of the body, energy systems and options for fitter clients who want to work harder.Some of the basic moves like press ups and squats can so often be executed poorly that it can take time and patience to really nail the technique. Yes it is hard work for the trainer and can be frustrating for the client who just wants to work hard but that is what we are there to do so that:1. There are no injuries2. You get the best results out of the sessionSeems like good reasons to me.Some activities such as boxing, suspension training and Kettlebells can take a bit more coaching which is why personal training can be a great way to get some 1-1 help with technique.So next time you are looking for a class to join think about:how big the class is?what level of coaching is given?the experience of the trainer?whether you can do a trial session before you sign up longer term?At Zest bootcamp we offer a trial week for people to test us out before joining for the month. Next one is on 21st July and then 1st Sept for any of you who live  near Bath.So WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF EXERCISE?My answer is the one you enjoy doing as the best results will be from the form of exercise you do frequently not once in a blue moon. So find what you love to do and enjoy!