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There are many health and fitness programs out there and so many ways to achieve results. In fitness there is not one right way, sometimes there are a number of roads to the same result. Although, there are some wrong or less than optimal ways.

Some  methods are so confusing and complex with many hard to follow rules, that ultimately, people stop. It’s not about having the prefect program in theory, it’s not the prefect program if it doesn’t get done. In many cases the overall method could vary, but what matters more is consistency and having a well written program that will get completed.

It’s what I term the art and science of coaching. Knowing and understanding the science of what to do and what works to achieve someone’s goals is important, but it’s only one half the picture.

The second half is the art. The art is how to get it done. The art could involve a number of things. Adding some additional fun skills, accessory work that compliments the program that they enjoy, creating a community of people; among other things that would achieve the main aim of ensuring the program is done.

What is the science? Well first I want to go back to the point I made at the start. People want to provide the latest gimmick in many cases, the shiniest thing, because newer is better right? Sometimes it can be, but not always.

An example of this would be having a program that will go half way to achieving two results. Too much art and not enough science. Balancing on a BOSU ball while doing a biceps curl. What is the goal here? If the goal here is to challenge your balance to make your biceps curl harder then say it’s the incorrect approach. You would be better doing them as separate exercises. You would be able to focus on making both more of a challenge with more intensity or heavier weight meaning that a better outcome will often be achieved.

The result here could be summed up by the quote “chase two rabbits, catch none.” – What are your primary and then secondary aims?

What is our philosophy? Our philosophy includes our method and guiding principles

Method: Isolate, Integrate and Improvise

Isolate: First learning to control the joint and the muscles in isolation,

Integrate: We then assist by integration of control into movement patterns that we mention below.

Improvise: Once the fundamental movement patterns are built we assist to client to improvise and consider the basic control and movements to incorporate into what they do. Whatever that could be.

We can’t teach every single scenario someone might encounter in their day, but if we can teach the thought process we will become strong, healthy and resilient in various ways. The person will be safe to “improvise”. Meaning they apply these to anything that may come up.

Be resilient and prepared for the unprepared!

Our basic movement function has always been made up of the following components and any program should consider how to apply these. Our programs will consider these. Either in isolation or together as necessary. Then progressed.

  1. Push (or reaching)
  2. Pull
  3. Hinge
  4. Squat
  5. Lunge
  6. Rotate
  7. Press
  8. Gait (locomotion)

It’s a simple system. But a system that works many times over. Makes people, fit, strong and resilient,

At the end of the day it’s about providing value & getting the result your after, in the most fun and supportive way in a great community by someone that cares. And that’s where the value is at the end of the day.

 

Aaron King

Exercise Physiologist

Fit Clinic