I want to share the thought process I use when taking on a new trainee so you can gain a better understanding of what it takes to put together an individualised professional training program.
The first training session is always an competence evaluation of different movements - running, skipping, pulling, pushing, jumping, hanging, agility, balance/coordination and posture.
This session is to gain a biomechanical evaluation of the persons unique physiological strengths, weaknesses and muscular recruitment patterns. We also gain a great idea of overall fatigue levels and how they cope under stress.
From our biomechanical analysis, it is possible to identify joint and muscle actions that are relatively weak, those that are executed effectively, and those needing modification. This information can help you select exercises that are most suitable to your abilities and are instrumental in establishing your workout program.
In essence, the analysis indicates the lagging aspects of your technique that are lacking. Your training program should reflect these aspects so you can make the lagging areas commensurate with your strong points. You must also improve your strong points, especially if they are core movements.
Thus the biomechanical, and to a less extent the kinesiological (applied movement mechanics vs tasking) analysis is critical for you to become a better mover/trainer/athlete.
If you participate in a general conditioning program you may see some progress when you get into better physical condition. But if the strength and other exercises do not function with your lifestyle and environmental patterns, or if the exercises do not enhance your physiological strong or weak points (NOT “vanity” style “weak” points)you will not see the improvement that is possible. The general physical preparation does however, serve as a strong base for developing an individualised program, however, it has the tendency to create poor movement and training mentality habits which can waste alot of time and money fixing.
And this is why we get paid the big bucks. This process in action has literally saved people years of wasted effort, misleading information, disinformation, frustration, unnecessary research and once again TIME. I cant stress this enough, time is your greatest resource so when you use it unwisely it becomes a waste and you may not think it at the time but your motivation levels take a hit when training is the context.
It is common to be adverse these days to “not want advice” or “do it by yourself” and professional training advice seems to be a subject many people feel they can do without, but let me tell you, most peoples current lifestyles do not permit enough movement to compensate with certain styles of training particularly compression or "lift heavy" style methods which are easy and great styles to practice but they require a sound foundation of strength. This understanding must be at the forefront of starting a routine if you are a novice.
As a professional I look at training styles as more like stepping stones to training longevity. My aim is to inspire a training lifestyle in novices, expose them to many different forms of training/movement, find what they like, dont like, mix it all up, educate and arm them with tools to continue once I am gone.
Get some good advice, get some professional training. If you cant find a good technical trainer - most are, quite frankly - shit (good intentions aside), hit me up and I can lead you in the right direction as far as my intentions are concerned - postural alignment, fluid movement and then advanced techniques. Don’t be afraid to spend money either, I have spent over $100,000 over the past 20 years on training and that may seem hardcore - and it is - but its only around $5000 a year and as a serious professional I had to be trained hard too - yes even the great Justin had many years of trainers pointing out faults so I feel ya!
I hope this perspective helps you on your way to a long life of dynamic movement.
Justin
