Monkey See Monkey Don't

I work at a gym where many other trainers train out of as well as regular gym go-ers who have memberships. This allows me to see a multiplicity of different styles of training, both good and bad. What I've noticed is a lot of people - both trainers and gym go-ers - will see something being done by someone and immediately insert it into their own workout routine or their client's prescription. Now I have no problem with people seeing an exercise and using it...let's not kid ourselves, we probably didn't make up the exercise. What needs to be considered when seeing a new exercise is the application of it. That is what sets people apart in the strength and conditioning industry. Specifically, I'm talking about the safety of the exercise.
Last night I witnessed a guy not only trying to perform a power clean himself, but also try to teach it to a client at the same time. I use the word "trying" because on more than one occasion I thought he was going to break both his and his client's back.
When I first started training, I did not know how to perform any kind of Olympic lift variation properly. Although I felt very confident in my sport science knowledge and athletic abilities, I still did not jump into "trying" to perform these lifts. Thus, I went to Cliff Harvey, a world champion all-around weight lifter for some training. I quickly realized how technical these lifts are and how much I needed to learn. Which brings me to my first point: Don't teach it unless you can do it yourself. If you are just working out for yourself, seek out an experienced and certified individual to teach you how to lift properly. If you are a trainer and see an exercise you'd like to prescribe, take note of the technique involved (such as a keeping a neutral spine) and not just novelty of the exercise itself. Strength is a skill and must be treated that way. Any type of Olympic lift variation is among the most technical exercises you will find. So, I'm begging you...if you want to teach these lifts or try them yourself, do your homework and seek out a qualified individual before the physios run out of cards to hand out.
This leads me to my next point. The other day I had a new client come in and ask me, "So, what is your background, and what kinds of certifications do you have?" I smiled and responded, "First of all, thank you for asking me that." Because of the way the fitness industry is set up, it is easier and easier to take a weekend course and call yourself a personal trainer. Now, I've met a few people without a Kinesiology background who have done this and are better trainers than some with the appropriate background. However, these are few and far between. I thanked my client because I think that most people, when looking for a trainer, should do their homework and find a qualified individual to train them. This is your health we are talking about here and we need to start treating it as the priority that we say it is! When you get a lawyer, would you seek out someone who didn't go to law school or have the appropriate certifications? Probably not.
I told my client that I was both a Certified Exercise Physiologist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and then I explained to her the difference between the two and the process to getting certified. So when looking for a trainer, or if you are looking to get into training, you should seek out someone who has a degree in a Kinesiology related program, a certification that requires this specialization of schooling, and a governing body that insures the individual.
So, my two points in summary: 1) Don't teach it if you can't do it properly (seek qualified training), and 2) Do your homework when hiring a trainer!
Thanks for putting up with my rant!

Paul

Testimonial

I hired Paul as my strength coach in January 2008. At that time I was 41 years old, at least 40lbs overweight and feeling the effects of my unhealthy lifestyle. Which of course was non conducive of being body aware and living a balanced life. I realized it was the time for change and that it would require my complete commitment. Upon meeting Paul I was struck by his calm demeanor and ability to understand what is realistic. We devised a plan of achievable short and long term goals. Thus far Paul has been able to build me into someone whom enjoys working out consistently. This has resulted in a 20lb weight reduction and, more importantly, 3 inches reduced from waistline. These achievements were a result of Paul’s excellent technical knowledge of various aspects of fitness programs and weightlifting.

Paul’s emotional intelligence has been a key factor in my personal success. He has an innate ability to understand when to push and also when to back off without ever being told. I personally recommend Paul as a strength coach to anyone whether you are an out of shape businessman like myself who didn’t want to end up another statistic or a professional athlete.

Dave Morrish
Market Base
President
http://www.marketbase.biz/