If you have a client with a specific goal in mind,
such as correcting bad posture due to upper crossed syndrome, do you design a program that focuses on exercises that strictly work the back and shoulders, or do you just give them a full body workout instead? Same question with a client with specific goal in mind, such as tightening up glutes and thighs, do you give them a workout that consists of just exercises for the glutes and thighs, or do you give them a full body workout and just include 1 or 2 exercises that focus on glutes and thighs?
Hi Melissa,
if a client comes with specific requests, or if the assessment identifies certain postural deficiencies, such as upper crossed syndrome, then I would NEVER just work on those parts alone that would be in the corrective exercise program for the identified problem.
I would certainly focus on those areas with exercises that go from the isolation to the integration in proper progression but I would embed this within the framework of an entire body workout.
If a client came to me asking only for exercises for glutes or the infamous ‘outer thigh’, for example, and would not want to do anything else, I simply would not work with that person. Particularly with resistance training, it is just as easy (and probably easier) to train people into imbalances than getting them out of it. I would feel that I would not act in the best interest of that person even if s/he may not agree or understand it.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
I think most clients have goals in mind, it depends on how much time, money and effort they wish to be successful
As a trainer you need to implement and design a program based on your clients needs, the result of the assessment, and their abilities.
If the client with upper crossed syndrome (I don’t know what that is) will benefit from back strengthening exercises this may be all they need, however, sometimes getting clients to become more active in general also has it’s benefits.
I think the bigger picture is accommodating your clients but also educating and encouraging them to look at their bodies as one whole unit, not divisions.