What kind of training do I promote?

I have on a few occasions been asked or people have assumed that I promote gym based exercise above any other form of exercise because I’m a personal trainer. So I wanted to write a blog post about what kind of training I promote. The simple answer is no I don’t put that above any other form of exercise. I do however know that strength work with weights/resistance or body weight is highly beneficial for everyone. 

I see personal training as a profession where I help and coach people into making better choices that work with their life and circumstances. So I might help with setting up a training plan that suits their needs and goals. I give my advice and guidance on anything from why we are better off doing a certain exercise for the time being, to injury risk, to why sleep is so important and anything in between. My goal is to encourage them to find an activity or activities that they enjoy first and foremost. Then we adapt what we need to do as long as we work together.

Is There a difference between personal trainers?

Something people don’t always consider when looking for a personal trainer is that most personal trainers have their specialities and therefore not every personal trainer will suit your needs. For example you have personal trainers that are good at Olympic lifting and have their expertise in that area, others are expert in weight loss, you have like myself someone that is really good with managing injuries whilst training and often works alongside physiotherapists. Some are pre and post natal experts. We all have similar basic training in the ground but with that comes further training in areas we want to deepen our knowledge in. Just think back on your maths teachers in school; they had their own teaching styles and some suited you better. Based on all this personal trainers will promote training forms that are in line with their clients’ needs and their own expertise and experience.

Do I promote the same training for everyone?

Like I said I know that strength work is beneficial for everyone so I do highly recommend it but I also don’t think it should be the only form of activity we do. What that other activity is  and how much is something that I would discuss with a client. I would consider

• What their goal is
• What experience do they have
• Where is their mind set at,
• Do they have an injury history
• Is it realistic
• And most importantly what would they like it to be?

If they really enjoy our sessions and would like to do that all the time then of course that is fine with me, I can plan it so it is varied but I  don’t see it being better than anything else.

For example I use strength work to manage my own old injuries and to minimise the risk of getting new ones whilst I do the activities I really enjoy. Also I know how important it is to maintain muscle mass and bone density as we get older and I plan to walk up stairs when I’m 80+ So that is a big motivator for me.

Hope this gave you some insight into how I work and how I approach my own training.