Creating workouts
What is a good rule to follow then creating 30 or 60 minute workouts. My concern is making sure clients get what their paying for. Some workouts might have too many exercises and other might not have enough to cover the allotted time. Any advice on what to do in either situation is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Hi Hector. Given the choice of having too FEW exercises or too MANY, I always opt for too many. I always have more exercises in a client’s workout than we can possibly do. That way, as we get towards to end of their workout time I can literally pick and chose exercises from the remaining list, based on how I feel the session has gone and how my client is reacting to the workout.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue
www.lecfitness.com
It depends on two factors: the fitness level of the client and the goals. A quick fitness/functional assessment should determine the type, duration and intensity of the exercises that you would be incorporating in the program. I often see so many trainers putting their clients through exercises that are not the right ones for them. Sometimes you can learn by experimenting with exercises and routines, but that is ok as long as you stay within the boundaries of what the client can and can’t do. Progression is also very important when designing new exercises. Always start with simple and basic moves and then progress to something more complex and more demanding (once you fee confident about your client and his/her abilities). Beyond that, creativity has no limits.
Christine’s first sentence is very wise. Each client is an individual with unique goals. What constitutes “money’s worth” will differ.
For a lot of my clients, it’s not the creativity of the exercises, it’s the accountability of having a trainer there to ensure they’re safe and their form is appropriate. So I don’t worry about the number of exercises per se, but how effective they are at improving a client’s ability to function.
I’m assuming you’ve already done an assessment so you know some of the key areas your client needs to work on first to correct basic imbalances, improve posture, etc. But if not, that constitutes your first workout, and several weeks worth of workouts and homework after that.
Hi Hector,
particularly with a new client who I am not yet familiar with, I create a list of exercises that more than will fit into a session but all appropriate for the client. I usually have in mind what I want to do but I also observe how the client is doing. I try to stay within my plan and pick as I go.
I find it very important to end with an exercise that the client can be successful in.
Training clients is as much an art as it is a science. In little time will you gain experience and confidence. Remember always to err on the side of safety.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hi Hector,
Creating a workout for your client should start with their goals and any special considerations. Each client will go at their own pace, so you are really the only one who will know how much can be accomplished within the given time. Focus on client form first and stability, and not how many exercises can be done. Have a plan in place, and go through your prepared session with your client–you will feel more comfortable the more you prepare the more you train clients. The session should also include a proper warmup and cool down/flexibility components.
Hope this helps, and good luck.
Christine