Answers (13)
1
You are completely right, Janet. It is not the population I am working with either.
But when you think about it: this is why we are here as fitness professional. Take what's out there and apply what fits.
Imagine how boring the conference would be if we were to attend classes on how to get somebody into a walking program. We as trainers know how to do that. I am celebrating every extra minute that some clients are able to walk.
Clubs follow the principle of supply and demand. If the classes are safe and attract many participants, there will be there to stay. At my club, there is a wide mix and something for everybody.
But when you think about it: this is why we are here as fitness professional. Take what's out there and apply what fits.
Imagine how boring the conference would be if we were to attend classes on how to get somebody into a walking program. We as trainers know how to do that. I am celebrating every extra minute that some clients are able to walk.
Clubs follow the principle of supply and demand. If the classes are safe and attract many participants, there will be there to stay. At my club, there is a wide mix and something for everybody.
1
Hi Janet. Well said. As a trainer who works with both populations (the highly active - athletes, and the fairly deconditioned) I have to say what I've witnessed is that some trainers are so wedded to the high-intensity, complex methodology that they do not distinguish between which clients they use that methodology on. The results? Overweight or otherwise deconditioned clients who struggle with getting through their exercise "program" with the trainer, and/or clients who end-up getting injured or discouraged.
I have to say that I always tell my new clients, particularly those new to exercise and training, that "our" goal in working together is to not only train together to help them achieve their immediate goals, but also to give them the tools to make their foray into exercise a 'life-long' endeavor. If I only train and teach them high-exercise which for them is probably unsustainable, and something that they would not, or should not do alone because of the complexity and risk, then am I really giving them the tools they need to sustain exercise over a lifetime? I agree that high-intensity exercise IS NOT for everyone and shouldn't be used in that way. What I do believe in, and practice, is the fine art or 'RELATIVITY. So, for a deconditioned client I can give then a 'relative' high-intensity set of exercises that in reality are not true high-intensity, but for them represent high effort.
My motto: "Rather than trying to fit the client into the program, fit the program to the client."
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitenss.com
I have to say that I always tell my new clients, particularly those new to exercise and training, that "our" goal in working together is to not only train together to help them achieve their immediate goals, but also to give them the tools to make their foray into exercise a 'life-long' endeavor. If I only train and teach them high-exercise which for them is probably unsustainable, and something that they would not, or should not do alone because of the complexity and risk, then am I really giving them the tools they need to sustain exercise over a lifetime? I agree that high-intensity exercise IS NOT for everyone and shouldn't be used in that way. What I do believe in, and practice, is the fine art or 'RELATIVITY. So, for a deconditioned client I can give then a 'relative' high-intensity set of exercises that in reality are not true high-intensity, but for them represent high effort.
My motto: "Rather than trying to fit the client into the program, fit the program to the client."
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitenss.com
0
I completely agree, Janet. My passion is helping the overweight and obese get healthy again through good nutrition and exercise habits and to keep those for a lifetime. HIIT is not a form of exercise that I would recommend to someone who has been sedentary for most of their lives, or at least who have not been active for some time. For those who are overweight, and especially those who are obese, need to start off with lighter forms of exercise in my opinion. When it comes to cardio training, I would recommend starting off with something less strenuous than HIIT such as walking or riding the recumbent bike for cardio. Our clients can build upon this with time and increase their strength and endurance. After doing this for some time, I would recommend trying 1-2 minutes of HIIT once or twice per week and then build upon this as they are more comfortable with exercise.
0
While I understand your frustration, the bigger picture is that this is driven by the media and our un regulated industry.
Because of the infiltration of high speed Internet, smartphones and instant answers, people are now equating this to fitness. They want fast, powerful, short workouts that promise huge results.
I don't fault the IDEA Convention for this, they are only responding and providing. I am however dismayed that so many false claims are constantly being fed to our vulnerable society,and that there are no guidelines per se to monitor and regulate fact from fiction.
I agree with Karin.
Take bits and pieces and make them work for you
As long as you remain professional with integrity and within your scope of practice you will succeed .
Because of the infiltration of high speed Internet, smartphones and instant answers, people are now equating this to fitness. They want fast, powerful, short workouts that promise huge results.
I don't fault the IDEA Convention for this, they are only responding and providing. I am however dismayed that so many false claims are constantly being fed to our vulnerable society,and that there are no guidelines per se to monitor and regulate fact from fiction.
I agree with Karin.
Take bits and pieces and make them work for you
As long as you remain professional with integrity and within your scope of practice you will succeed .
0
I agree and disagree on certain points.
1- Agree that people should definitely start out relative to their fitness/skill level. This is the problem with crossfit or personal trainer stories of horror- someone being pushed beyond their limits. Human fitness moves on an increasing curve. The longer you have been working out, the faster you will get results. HIIT, bootcamp and other classes are just that- classes.
Pros- You get a lot of people in a short time = more $
Con- Cant individually meet with people and assess them
2- I would disagree on the people who have come to condition themselves for a high intensity workout. While I would definitely agree that there are others out there who can do this, I would argue that fitness professionals should be able to work with athletes as well. Even people at the Olympic level have coaches.
Because someone can do a HIIT workout doesn't mean they don't need our help. We can show them a dozen variants of it or even new forms they have never contemplated.
Most of those who love these high intensity workouts do not need us. They would work out on their own.
I think trainers should always be expanding their knowledge of programs and exercises.
I dont think we are preaching to the converted when it comes to advertising/marketing as well. I would say most trainers are the first to hit weight watchers/ dietitians/ anything to reach the overweight population- but it is the people that are motivated to work with us that usually come to us.
I dont want to lump people all into one clump, but the majority of overweight/ obese people would most likely not want to respond to our ads because training is- well- hard.
1- Agree that people should definitely start out relative to their fitness/skill level. This is the problem with crossfit or personal trainer stories of horror- someone being pushed beyond their limits. Human fitness moves on an increasing curve. The longer you have been working out, the faster you will get results. HIIT, bootcamp and other classes are just that- classes.
Pros- You get a lot of people in a short time = more $
Con- Cant individually meet with people and assess them
2- I would disagree on the people who have come to condition themselves for a high intensity workout. While I would definitely agree that there are others out there who can do this, I would argue that fitness professionals should be able to work with athletes as well. Even people at the Olympic level have coaches.
Because someone can do a HIIT workout doesn't mean they don't need our help. We can show them a dozen variants of it or even new forms they have never contemplated.
Most of those who love these high intensity workouts do not need us. They would work out on their own.
I think trainers should always be expanding their knowledge of programs and exercises.
I dont think we are preaching to the converted when it comes to advertising/marketing as well. I would say most trainers are the first to hit weight watchers/ dietitians/ anything to reach the overweight population- but it is the people that are motivated to work with us that usually come to us.
I dont want to lump people all into one clump, but the majority of overweight/ obese people would most likely not want to respond to our ads because training is- well- hard.
0
I do not mean to diss IDEA at all; I am very proud to be a charter member of the organization. I just feel World IDEA is a great place to discuss this. I do know IDEA has had several programs to target the inactive and believe they will continue to do so.
Karin, I do not feel the presentations should be on walking programs, but I do believe the focus should be more on how to reach the inactive and what to do with them. We need to know how to market and advertise to them. How can we reach them? We are certainly not doing a good job of it. Once we get them what should we do? A studio without mirrors? Dedicated classes for the sedentary? A buddy system? Boot camps light? What do we do with the diabetic client who comes to Tabata? The person with osteoporosis in yoga or pilates? The person with bad knees whose doctors says "not to squat"? I do not have the answers, but believe together as an industry we can do more. We need to ask the right questions, and work together to find the answers.
Karin, I do not feel the presentations should be on walking programs, but I do believe the focus should be more on how to reach the inactive and what to do with them. We need to know how to market and advertise to them. How can we reach them? We are certainly not doing a good job of it. Once we get them what should we do? A studio without mirrors? Dedicated classes for the sedentary? A buddy system? Boot camps light? What do we do with the diabetic client who comes to Tabata? The person with osteoporosis in yoga or pilates? The person with bad knees whose doctors says "not to squat"? I do not have the answers, but believe together as an industry we can do more. We need to ask the right questions, and work together to find the answers.
0
Hi Janet,
Thanks for posting your plea.
I believe the only way to address this dilemma is through education. Whether the individual is obese or not, if they are chronically inactive HIIT is not the best approach.
I feel very strongly that for the most part fitness professionals don't know how to effectively utilize the transtheoretical stages of change model with their clients.
I am of the opinion that any exercise program designed for the chronically deconditioned individual will not be successful if the personal trainer has not determined how confident, ready and committed the client is to change their behavior.
I believe this is what has to be addressed at the convention, however, it is not what the paying fitness community really wants.
All I can do is my part, however, we are on the same page.
Thanks again for your post.
Thanks for posting your plea.
I believe the only way to address this dilemma is through education. Whether the individual is obese or not, if they are chronically inactive HIIT is not the best approach.
I feel very strongly that for the most part fitness professionals don't know how to effectively utilize the transtheoretical stages of change model with their clients.
I am of the opinion that any exercise program designed for the chronically deconditioned individual will not be successful if the personal trainer has not determined how confident, ready and committed the client is to change their behavior.
I believe this is what has to be addressed at the convention, however, it is not what the paying fitness community really wants.
All I can do is my part, however, we are on the same page.
Thanks again for your post.
0
I completely agree Janet.
I see the issue from two perspectives.
The deconditioned, obese, sedentary client has seen shows like the Biggest Loser, My Weight Loss Story, etc and comes to the personal trainer expecting those types of sessions and "immediate" results. They want quick results and quick answers. They've often tried several different diets or programs, only to be disappointed and disalusioned with their results. They struggle with multiple issues that don't all stem from their weight/diet and require a team approach as many of these issues are outside of the scope of practice of a personal trainer.
Then you have the personal trainer and fitness industry who is trying to continue to gain clients in a tough economy. Its much easier to get a person who's already exercising into a program or new class than it is someone who is new to exercise and skeptical that "this will work" when so many things may have failed them in the past. Money talks! That doesn't make it right.
I think things will change when trainers work together with other health professionals to enhance the overall health of the client. When personal trainers are viewed as professionals by others in the healthcare industry (education, certification and regulation may need to change to make this happen). When there is a focus on preventative health rather than treating the symptoms.
I try to focus on what I can control. I partner with healthcare professionals in a dialogue about the clients care. I look to them for answers and I offer programs when they see a need. I stay educated and I tailor my programs to the clients. I don't seek to have lifelong clients. I seek to educate them to be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle for themselves.
Great post! I enjoyed reading all the answers!
I see the issue from two perspectives.
The deconditioned, obese, sedentary client has seen shows like the Biggest Loser, My Weight Loss Story, etc and comes to the personal trainer expecting those types of sessions and "immediate" results. They want quick results and quick answers. They've often tried several different diets or programs, only to be disappointed and disalusioned with their results. They struggle with multiple issues that don't all stem from their weight/diet and require a team approach as many of these issues are outside of the scope of practice of a personal trainer.
Then you have the personal trainer and fitness industry who is trying to continue to gain clients in a tough economy. Its much easier to get a person who's already exercising into a program or new class than it is someone who is new to exercise and skeptical that "this will work" when so many things may have failed them in the past. Money talks! That doesn't make it right.
I think things will change when trainers work together with other health professionals to enhance the overall health of the client. When personal trainers are viewed as professionals by others in the healthcare industry (education, certification and regulation may need to change to make this happen). When there is a focus on preventative health rather than treating the symptoms.
I try to focus on what I can control. I partner with healthcare professionals in a dialogue about the clients care. I look to them for answers and I offer programs when they see a need. I stay educated and I tailor my programs to the clients. I don't seek to have lifelong clients. I seek to educate them to be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle for themselves.
Great post! I enjoyed reading all the answers!
0
You are spot on! The emphasis in the industry today tends to be focused on the '30 minute, go-go-go, see how fast you can exhaust' workout. The majority of my clients are over 40 and, the older the client, the less likely they want to do the "PX90/boot camp" style training. What trainers need to realize is that baby boomers have different goals from the 20/30 year old. They generally are not looking to bench 200# or run a 'Warrior Dash' or look like someone on the cover of a magazine. What the over 40 crowd usually wants is more energy at work, be able to enjoy their kids and grandkids and, for their leisure activities, be it tennis, gardening or golf, wake up the next day feeling like they could go another round...or two. With the proper training model, older adults can become very fit. They can eventually be put in the position to tackle boot camps or PX90 if that is a goal. Baby boomers are our largest growth market. Adjusting your approach will grow your business.
An underlying issue is how does the industry teach trainers (who have probably been in shape since before high school) the proper approach toward a 50 year old who is starting over after a 10-30 year layoff? I bring up that point because I started my career after the age of 50. I'm now 63.
An underlying issue is how does the industry teach trainers (who have probably been in shape since before high school) the proper approach toward a 50 year old who is starting over after a 10-30 year layoff? I bring up that point because I started my career after the age of 50. I'm now 63.
0
I hear what you say Janet, I have pondered this for myself. What I have finally come to resolve for myself is that we need to keep the fit fit. So that if high intensity classes attract a certain population so be it, this is a win for them and therefore a win for our society.
As long as we keep the fit fit we stop, halt or slow the risk factors for disease. This is where as a society we want to focus our efforts. Bringing the unfit back to some level of fitness is certainly important, or lowering risk factors is invaluable to the individual and society, but preventing disease and keeping the fit risk free is just as viable, and promotes emotional, financial, and social strength.
As long as we keep the fit fit we stop, halt or slow the risk factors for disease. This is where as a society we want to focus our efforts. Bringing the unfit back to some level of fitness is certainly important, or lowering risk factors is invaluable to the individual and society, but preventing disease and keeping the fit risk free is just as viable, and promotes emotional, financial, and social strength.
0
Janet,
The majority of my clients are deconditioned older adults with various hip,knee, shoulder, back etc... problems. Trying to plug them into a one size fits all high intensity program simply doesn't work. I am constantly modifying exercsies, usually on the fly, to avoid painful ROM and to correct imbalances.
What is most important is how hard the client feels the workout is. It needs to be challenging enough that they see the value in the sessions they pay for but not so difficult that they leave discouraged and feeling beat up.
I mostly work my clients within their Rate of Perceived Exertion and constantly have them rate the difficulty so I can adjust up or down. This way they can feel successful and invigorated when they leave and anxious to come again as they gain confidence in what their body can do.
Personally I feel this type of client need our services more because they need the push to propel them past their comfort zone. And I feel that in this way I am providing a real value, not just trading time for dollars.
The majority of my clients are deconditioned older adults with various hip,knee, shoulder, back etc... problems. Trying to plug them into a one size fits all high intensity program simply doesn't work. I am constantly modifying exercsies, usually on the fly, to avoid painful ROM and to correct imbalances.
What is most important is how hard the client feels the workout is. It needs to be challenging enough that they see the value in the sessions they pay for but not so difficult that they leave discouraged and feeling beat up.
I mostly work my clients within their Rate of Perceived Exertion and constantly have them rate the difficulty so I can adjust up or down. This way they can feel successful and invigorated when they leave and anxious to come again as they gain confidence in what their body can do.
Personally I feel this type of client need our services more because they need the push to propel them past their comfort zone. And I feel that in this way I am providing a real value, not just trading time for dollars.
0
Hi Janet,
WOW!
I never thought anyone would notice the void you mentioned.
You are on target: most training is focused on hard, intense, make you sweat, 'no pain no gain' programs.
The problem is-what if you haven't reached the level to do this yet? Maybe you are a beginner. Maybe you are at the intermediate level.
Do you really think you can jump into the XXX high intensity crew?
Would you go from 1st to 3rd gear in your car?
We do overlook a lot of people with this high intensity manta. I hope we can
focus on how to help those who aren't superhuman to reach their goals.
WOW! (excuse my enthusiasm)
WOW!
I never thought anyone would notice the void you mentioned.
You are on target: most training is focused on hard, intense, make you sweat, 'no pain no gain' programs.
The problem is-what if you haven't reached the level to do this yet? Maybe you are a beginner. Maybe you are at the intermediate level.
Do you really think you can jump into the XXX high intensity crew?
Would you go from 1st to 3rd gear in your car?
We do overlook a lot of people with this high intensity manta. I hope we can
focus on how to help those who aren't superhuman to reach their goals.
WOW! (excuse my enthusiasm)
0
What a great post.
HIIT isn't the walking, talking, singing, dancing, one-size-fits-all perfect workout for everyone. There is no such thing.
I agree that there is too much emphasis on workouts with apocalyptic titles.
What I have done to help bridge the gap between beginners and advanced participants in my HIIT classes is:
1) Design my own formats. I'm not a fan of cookie cutter programs that force a set of movements onto a class with few, if any, options.
2) Provide movements that have multiple intensity / impact levels. This way, I can accommodate a wider variety of fitness levels.
3) Hold short orientations before and after class for new participants to help them understand how to monitor their own intensity levels and how to modify for their injuries.
4) Encourage participants to engage in other fitness and wellness activities, particularly dance, weight training and yoga.
HIIT isn't the walking, talking, singing, dancing, one-size-fits-all perfect workout for everyone. There is no such thing.
I agree that there is too much emphasis on workouts with apocalyptic titles.
What I have done to help bridge the gap between beginners and advanced participants in my HIIT classes is:
1) Design my own formats. I'm not a fan of cookie cutter programs that force a set of movements onto a class with few, if any, options.
2) Provide movements that have multiple intensity / impact levels. This way, I can accommodate a wider variety of fitness levels.
3) Hold short orientations before and after class for new participants to help them understand how to monitor their own intensity levels and how to modify for their injuries.
4) Encourage participants to engage in other fitness and wellness activities, particularly dance, weight training and yoga.
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