Need Advice! First client’s quads cramped up after 6 lunges, almost ruined 1st session
I just started training my first client at my new job. She is a 50 y.o. female who is overweight and undertrained. I met with her last week and took her through a 20 min walk w incline on the treadmill, followed by some basic body weight exercises. I had her do 6 lunges on each leg and afterwards she said her quads were cramping so bad that she couldnt walk or stand. I wasn’t sure what to do so I had her just sit and do some bicep curls. Later we did some crunches on a large ball and she said her abs were cramping the same way. I guess I’m not really sure what to do in this situation… I find it hard to believe that such little movement could cause such a negative reaction. I’m drawing a blank about what to do the next time we meet because I don’t want to overwork her, but she wants to lose weight and get in shape so she’s going to have to do SOMETHING. Like I said, she’s my first client and I’m used to training myself… so any advice for training super beginners would be great! Thanks!!!
Hi Randi,
I must confess I was not surprised that your new client’s body reacted this way. You call her ‘overweight and undertrained’, and the exercises you picked were way too much for her.
There seems to be a notion that ‘basic body weight exercises’ are things everybody can do. But there is nothing basic about a lunge. It is a highly complex move that I personally to not do with any client on the first workout. Please consider that her excess weight adds a significant additional load to every movement.
She has recognized that the needs to lose weight and get in shape but it does not all have to happen in the first two weeks of working out.
In a case like hers I start with stabilization exercises to work her core and make her feel successful with some exercises. The others already gave you good pointers.
You have not completed your profile but I assume that you have a certification during which you have learned about fitness assessments which are the base for any exercise program.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com