If you listened to the top 40’s in 2007, you are definitely familiar with the song Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis. It was a very popular song, and it seemed like they were playing that song everywhere: grocery stores, restaurants, drug stores – you name it. In the song, she says numerous times that she is “bleeding love.”

I must have heard that song a hundred times before my coworker said it sounded like she was singing that she was “bleeding blood.” I thought that was interesting. I’d never heard blood instead of love – until she said that. Then it was hard not to hear blood. With that simple word change the song went from being a hopeless romantic ballad to something much darker.

Just like one small tweak in the song’s lyrics changed the meaning of the song, a small tweak in an exercise can have a big impact. As a personal trainer, I’ve been asked what the “right way” to do an exercise is. The truth is, it’s a little more complicated than a right way and a wrong way. Of course, using improper form can lead to injury and some exercises are not advisable for certain people. However, there are usually many different “right ways” depending on what your intention is. Small changes in the exercise can change what the exercise does.

If you aren’t getting the results you want from your exercise program, you may want to seek the help of a fitness professional. They may be able to show you small adjustments that can make a big difference.

Thanks for reading! I hope you have a safe and healthy month.