Answers (7)
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This is an interesting question, particularly as you put it in terms of "good' and - I assume - "bad".
I have some basic beliefs that inform my approach to personal training:
1. Treat other as you would like to be treated yourself.
2. Do no harm.
3. Err on the side of safety.
4. Know your limits.
5. Keep an open mind.
If I were to articulate a "philosophy" in my training approach. it would be that:
1. I listen to the client's goals and I assess the client's mechanics as well as I am capable of.
2. My approach is to train "from the inside out", meaning that I try to bring the client into better alignment, work on imbalances and on the muscles that stablize the core including hips and shoulders.
3. I also like to train "from the bottom up", creating a stable base with good balance.
Before I speculate on any defense in a "Court of Law" I would first like to hear the charges that are being brought against me.
Is it a good one? I don't know. It works for me.
I have some basic beliefs that inform my approach to personal training:
1. Treat other as you would like to be treated yourself.
2. Do no harm.
3. Err on the side of safety.
4. Know your limits.
5. Keep an open mind.
If I were to articulate a "philosophy" in my training approach. it would be that:
1. I listen to the client's goals and I assess the client's mechanics as well as I am capable of.
2. My approach is to train "from the inside out", meaning that I try to bring the client into better alignment, work on imbalances and on the muscles that stablize the core including hips and shoulders.
3. I also like to train "from the bottom up", creating a stable base with good balance.
Before I speculate on any defense in a "Court of Law" I would first like to hear the charges that are being brought against me.
Is it a good one? I don't know. It works for me.
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Wonderful question.
While attending university, I learned that "philosophy" means love of wisdom.
That being said, wisdom is a valuable virtue, however, I am of the opinion that a wise personal trainer will use evidence-based approaches supported by peer-reviewed scientific research when it comes to training methods.
One thing I consistently do, is apply the principles of writing an exercise prescription and stick to the science as far as exercise progression is concerned. Using this approach as a foundation, I can easily tap into the wisdom of the exercise science pioneers you have mentioned in other questions you have posed and utilize their philosophy if it meets the needs of my clientele.
In a court-of-law the judge and jury will want to have evidence that the approach I have used with my clients is scientifically relevant. After all, do not judges refer to their legal library for previously tried cases in order to pass judgment?
Too, as fitness professionals, one of the most important aspects of our profession is to adhere to established professional guidelines. When we don't adhere to established standards we put ourselves in position to truly stand before a judge.
It is up to me as the fitness professional to read the research, make sure that I own it in terms of understanding how it relates to my clientele and apply it.
While attending university, I learned that "philosophy" means love of wisdom.
That being said, wisdom is a valuable virtue, however, I am of the opinion that a wise personal trainer will use evidence-based approaches supported by peer-reviewed scientific research when it comes to training methods.
One thing I consistently do, is apply the principles of writing an exercise prescription and stick to the science as far as exercise progression is concerned. Using this approach as a foundation, I can easily tap into the wisdom of the exercise science pioneers you have mentioned in other questions you have posed and utilize their philosophy if it meets the needs of my clientele.
In a court-of-law the judge and jury will want to have evidence that the approach I have used with my clients is scientifically relevant. After all, do not judges refer to their legal library for previously tried cases in order to pass judgment?
Too, as fitness professionals, one of the most important aspects of our profession is to adhere to established professional guidelines. When we don't adhere to established standards we put ourselves in position to truly stand before a judge.
It is up to me as the fitness professional to read the research, make sure that I own it in terms of understanding how it relates to my clientele and apply it.
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Karin's excellent answer took many words right out of my mouth! Especially "first do no harm".
Because I specialize in group exercise, my approach is a little different that it would be in 1:1 personal training sessions:
1. Make it fun!
2. Progressions, modifications & options are a must - encouraging all to listen to their own bodies and make the best choices for themselves.
3. Address general needs & goals - if someone has a specific need or goal, refer them to a personal trainer, physical therapist or physician.
4. Err on the side of safety using a "risk-to-benefit" ratio in class planning. Because it is not possible to monitor people as closely in a class as it is in a 1:1 setting, I do not use higher risk activities even if they are great exercises.
5. Continuous education and exploration - not only for ideas/fun/variety - but also for more effective ways to train.
Because I specialize in group exercise, my approach is a little different that it would be in 1:1 personal training sessions:
1. Make it fun!
2. Progressions, modifications & options are a must - encouraging all to listen to their own bodies and make the best choices for themselves.
3. Address general needs & goals - if someone has a specific need or goal, refer them to a personal trainer, physical therapist or physician.
4. Err on the side of safety using a "risk-to-benefit" ratio in class planning. Because it is not possible to monitor people as closely in a class as it is in a 1:1 setting, I do not use higher risk activities even if they are great exercises.
5. Continuous education and exploration - not only for ideas/fun/variety - but also for more effective ways to train.
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Very interesting question. I suppose I have to agree with Karin's answer. Very well said. I think my philosophy basically breaks down to:
1. Doing what is in the best interest of the client(s.)
2. Practice and preach safety over pride.
3. Be open to alternative methods. (Continuing education)
4. Know the limits of your clients, but challenge them to move SAFELY past them.
1. Doing what is in the best interest of the client(s.)
2. Practice and preach safety over pride.
3. Be open to alternative methods. (Continuing education)
4. Know the limits of your clients, but challenge them to move SAFELY past them.
0
I believe in actual fitness, rather than the appearance of fitness. Actual fitness is the only outcome worthy of the intense training my clients commit to and endure, and it is the only path to better health of mind, body and spirit.
My role is to show my clients how to utilize their surrounding environment to their benefit and get a great workout wherever they are. Lack of traditional weights or a full-scale gym is not an excuse to avoid working out. I don’t believe in excuses. Be honest with yourself. Life is not forgiving, particularly to those trying to justify inaction. Life is multi-dimensional, and that is how they need to approach it. This is the core of my philosophy. I tell them to do something new, something good for themselves , and they will be rewarded on many levels.
My role is to show my clients how to utilize their surrounding environment to their benefit and get a great workout wherever they are. Lack of traditional weights or a full-scale gym is not an excuse to avoid working out. I don’t believe in excuses. Be honest with yourself. Life is not forgiving, particularly to those trying to justify inaction. Life is multi-dimensional, and that is how they need to approach it. This is the core of my philosophy. I tell them to do something new, something good for themselves , and they will be rewarded on many levels.
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Educate. KISS- Keep It Simple Stupid! (Not that people are, but keeping routines basic seems to get the best response as well as being universally understood)
Motivate. Big thing with fitness is just putting in the time. People often want a fast fix, and I try to make it something fun. They have to want to be in the gym because its enjoyable, not because they want something from it.
Motivate. Big thing with fitness is just putting in the time. People often want a fast fix, and I try to make it something fun. They have to want to be in the gym because its enjoyable, not because they want something from it.
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