Client of mine has trouble going upstairs? Suggestions for workout corrective exercises and why this may be happening?
Hi Michelle,
is this client new to you? Or have you been training for a while, and this is a new development?
In addition to the obvious answer of checking with a doctor and/or PT, I would assess or re-assess and look for compensation there. I would first look for knee and hip extensor weakness but do not limit yourself but look at the entire chain.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Any exercise which is doable at their level, with leg extensor muscles (from just the movement through the elastic-based exercises-to the cable machine, for example). Also, if they can, use the steps of various heights in order to imitate the movement. Squats, sitting down and getting up and lunges, if they are OK for your client, would help. good luck! 🙂
I would have them step up and down on a step and incorporate a variety of arm exercises.
I would have them hold on to the rail when they do go upstairs.
I would have them do a variety of quad/hamstring exercises/functional along with isometrics.
As for seeing a PT as stated above, I would first make sure theres nothing else going on with the client, get clearance from their doc.
It’s best to send them to a private physical therapist. About $100 for a visit. They will work with you to come up with some exercises to do.
What can you do as a trainer? Make sure that the muscles and joints below the knee and above are functioning properly.
Foam roll It band, quads, inner thighs, hamstrings, calfs etc. Make sure you get all the knots out. Stretch each muscle after foam rolling it.
Strengthen weak muscles!
Check their feet. Do they have flat feet or high arches. They may need an insert with arch supports in their shoes. This is a big one that is overlooked quite often.
Again it is best to take them to a physical therapist and meet them there at the appointment then you will learn a whole lot of info that will help you with you current client and many future clients as well. You will be seen as professional if you do this and you will not be seen as ignorant if you tell your client that you are a personal trainer and not a therapist. But you can work on your client under a therapists supervision.
Best Wishes,
Troy Knudson
www.trainingwithtroy.com
