I work with a variety of people having a variety of job descriptions possessing a variety of ability levels. I do not know much about them when they start their exercise and nutrition regimen with OSTS. Where do we start? We till the ground.
After a few years of approaching human performance through concerns of impressing my clients through get rich quick results and extensive initial exercise regimens I realized I was taking a huge risk with their bodies. Was I really preparing them to perform better at work, lifestyle, and personal life? The answer is a resounding "NO". I don't care how much weight they have lost or how much stronger they were after 3 months with me.
We know nothing about what people can do when they step into our exercise environment. After analyzing my clients results, my conclusion was that I needed to change my format. I was running 12 total introductory classes, three times per week and introduced the swing, TGU, clean, squat, press, and snatch...in addition to a lot of bodyweight exercises. The result was a lot of poor form. Not the clients fault....but the specialists fault. TMI----too much information.
I concluded that we were going to slow things down; 8 total classes, two times per week, and the focus would be preparation to perform the basic 6 of the RKC. Here is a summary of what we do:
Week 1: Rowing machine intro; joint mobility; learn to squat
Week 2: Week 1 + More body weight exercises
Week 3: Week 1 and 2 + TGU, Goblet Squat, Intro to the Kettlebell Swing
Week 4: Week 1, 2, and 3 + the barbell deadlift
Note: we do not prescribe external resistance until the 5th workout (3rd week)
Where's the like button? ;) Great article Mark! Your clients will be much better off in the long run. And they'll thank you for it. We are slowing things down a bit at The Boneyard too. =]
ReplyDeleteLove the approach! I too have slowed down to refine my skills. So far, so good. Hope all is well with you, Gwen and the lttle ones!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear you all are doing so well.
ReplyDeleteWe are doing well in Auburn. Gwen and the girls keep very active with their new pre-school and the community is perfect for our family.
Take care.
Mark
I worked with an Army comrade in Iraq who used to say "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." He meant it more in terms of building roads and fortifications, but I think it applies to exercise as well. After I quit all the pain pills and took some "how to run" classes, it's amazing how much less it hurts and how much smoother--and faster--I am.
ReplyDelete