Deciding to start a new program or change things up with your old program can be difficult. Especially nowadays, with all the info on the web finding a new program is easy but finding the one that is right for you can be difficult.
Typically when I have a new training client walk through our doors there is some sort of evaluation that follows. There are a couple reasons I do this. First off, I find that a great way to build a rapport and learn about a person is to evaluate how they move. If you think you can learn a lot about someone by how they dress, think about how much you can learn by how they move. Everything from where and how they carry their stress, the bicycle accident they had when they were 8 and what sports they played in high school come up during the eval. The other reason is the ability to match a client's needs to their wants in the effort to build a personalized program. Everybody wants the perfect body but sometimes we have to work through some issues to get there. Myself for example, I've had shoulder problems for years so overhead pressing is I'll advised but it doesn't mean I can't do a shoulder workout. At the end of the day a program really comes down to exercise selection. There's a hierarchy and progression to exercise selection. Some times there's even a regression or variant that can be worked in. The best program I've ever done in terms of results was the same program that did more permanent damage to my shoulders. As a young lifter I didn't understand the ramifications of overloading my joints. I was 20 and indestructible, or so I thought.
SO WHAT'S THE BEST PROGRAM FOR YOU?
Obviously I have a biased opinion, but I can honestly say that finding a educated trainer is paramount. I find that the subject matter, the human body, causes a lot of problems. Everybody has a body, so everyone thinks they understand how it works. Although that is true is some cases, most of the time it doesn't work out. Trainers and strength coaches exist for a reason so put them to use and you'll help reduce injuries and see faster results. Check out our link to for "What to Look for in a good trainer." With all that being said , here are a couple of key points to look out for.
1. Does your program match your goals? One of the things I see the most in the gym is people doing the same workout over and over. Most of the time its the people on the treadmill that are trying to lose weight. Don't get me wrong cardio is great but there are more efficient ways to shed fat.
2. Is your program mindful of your limitations? This part is duel pronged so listen up. First of all, I'm sorry to tell you but unless your an expert in the field or a doctor you probably cannot diagnose what your limitations are. So, asking yourself if your program respects your physical and mental limitations is pointless to a degree. But, if you have knee pain and know it, avoiding activities that put additional stress on that joint is advised.
3. Are you seeing results? There is almost nothing more important than this. The fact is if its working and your not in pain then you hit pay dirt.
4. Do you have a long term and short term plan? Chances are a good trainer will ask you what you're long and short term goals are. So, a plan that is built over a year or so should have some sort of progression to it. If you find yourself doing the same routine over and over, whatever results your seeing now wont last.
Again, a good trainer can easily coach you through all of this. Sometimes the amount of information can be overwhelming. Here is a link to some of the top trainers in your area.
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