so many ways to train

[the.gladiator1987]

Im about to train people

i know first thing is just getting them off their ass and lifting some weights and moving around

im just wondering how advanced do you need to get? How do you know when to start having people superset things, take less time between sets, change the workouts?

Would you stick to a plan and have them do it and if they dont see results then switch things up like superset, different exercises, less time between sets? Or would you train them with supersets first and have a high intestity from the get go? Im about to be a personal trainer at a gym i start in a week and i want to make sure i get my clients to see results but not to the point where they hurt too much. just read an article about a trainer training a girl and she had to go tothe hopsital lol

 

[thebigoz]

It's a case-by-case basis. As a personal trainer, you should be tailoring a routine to the specific person's needs, not generalizing and training everyone the same way.

If these people are only just starting to get into lifting weights, then I don't see the point in getting too fancy and throwing in supersets.

In regards to switching up the routine - sure, everyone needs to modify their routine at some point. A lot of training is about shocking the muscles. But again, there isn't a great deal of point in switching routines unless they become unresponsive to gains.

If these are people just looking to lose weight and get in shape, keep this mantra in mind - "The best routine is one that YOU ENJOY".

Having said that, realize that most people aren't going to enjoy a routine that doesn't show them any results...see the connection?

 

[thebigoz]

Oh and one more thing - you need to keep up the communication and an observant eye on your customer. If they end up over-working themselves, it's as much your fault as it is theirs.

You will be able to tell if you're pushing them too much. Hopefully they will tell you first if you are, but some people have too much pride to call it out so you need to make the authoritative call.

Remember, they're placing their health and fitness in your hands, so be responsible.

 

[the.gladiator1987]

Thanks for the response

I guess i just am not used to training women that want to lose weight and theres so many things to do to lose fat and look good, mainly its diet so i guess at first i can show them all the exercises and ask them which ones they like and then go with those? And then say its not easy so im gonna push you hard but atl;east ill give you results kind of thing

 

[the.gladiator1987]

What rep count do women need? 10-15?

 

[SouthernLord]

I could never be a PT. I can't sugar coat things and after one session the client would quit from the hellish workout that I would put them through.

The only advice I can give you is..... If the client needs/wants to lose weight....Don't set them on a machine. That's one of my biggest pet peeves in the gym. Fat people setting down. Make them move. Even if they are doing body weight squats and lunges. The results will be better than leg extensions and the abductor machine (the two most common machine the shitty PTs at my gym put the fatties on).

Also.....You will get infinite cool points (at least from me) if you make the first out of shape male client (fatty) you get do nothing but load and unload the hip sled for time. That's the type of outside the box shit that really works. Think about it.

 

[ExtraMile]

I could never be a PT. I can't sugar coat things and after one session the client would quit from the hellish workout that I would put them through.

The only advice I can give you is..... If the client needs/wants to lose weight....Don't set them on a machine. That's one of my biggest pet peeves in the gym. Fat people setting down. Make them move. Even if they are doing body weight squats and lunges. The results will be better than leg extensions and the abductor machine (the two most common machine the shitty PTs at my gym put the fatties on).

Also.....You will get infinite cool points (at least from me) if you make the first out of shape male client (fatty) you get do nothing but load and unload the hip sled for time. That's the type of outside the box shit that really works. Think about it.

You could also throw in some squat rack curls... lol J/K

As said above, keep them doing something they enjoy, that was exactly what I was gonna say when I read this.

The routine or program they do may also depend on their personality, if its someone who wants to really try hard and will push themselves and enjoys that then you may want to give them something differant to someone who is more of the quiet, none talkative type...

Oh and about rep ranges and stuff for women, put it on the ladies board they will give you loads of advice for training women

 

[thebigoz]

I think you need to take a simple approach to this. It's not as complicated as you think.

As a PT, you should sit down with your customer first and iron out goals, any training methods they're interested in, past training experience etc and go from there. You can't just show them everything and say 'OK, you choose!'. It's your job to DESIGN a routine for them based on their needs.

This is what I meant in another thread when talking about PT certifications. They piss me off to no end. I have no idea wtf these things include during the course, but this should be part of basis the of the course, don't you think?

I'm not knocking you, I'm knocking the course material.

 

[the.gladiator1987]

I know what you mean, the cert is bullshit. I know i could do it though, and i know to design a routine for these people, i just have never learned the best way to get reults to women losing weight. Sure i could give them quick results but to keep on giving results i just wanted to know whats the more advanced stuff you would get into

 

[Jocques Straap]

Squat variation,
deadlift variation,
single leg variation,
Horizontal press,
Horizontal pull,
Vertical Press,
vertical pull,

Get your clients at least 1 good hard set for each of the movements listed here.

I usually start my clients with a good long warm up, activation, some stretching, some balance. Obviously the exercises need to be scaled to the individual but the idea for "almost" everyone is to activate the glutes, increase mobility in the quads. Increase mobility in the spine. Things like leg swings, bridges, twists, scorpions etc.

Usually for my newbie, out of shape, weight loss clients, I super set the above movements with a simple cardio exercise, scaled to the person. Jumping jacks, burpees, mountain climbers etc. keep their heart rate up, but make sure they are putting more effort into the real exercises.

After a few weeks when it starts to get easy, I add a second set with a lower rep. So, first set 12, second set 8, I make them use a heavier weight on the set of 8. Many clients are afraid of heavy weight, so this helps get the use to heavier weight and makes them realize that they are capable of using the heavier wieght. Helps with confidence and motivation and progression.

Like SL, says if you push too hard, then they won't come back, you have to read their reactions, keep them motivated and make it fun. While also trying to get them doing the "core" exercises as quickly as possible (Squat, dead, lunge, row, bench, pull up, press) - I ask for a number between 1-10, "how difficult is this exercise?" If they say higher than a 7, you probably are pushing them too hard. If it's lower than a 5, not hard enough. You need to read them, as well as communicate with them.

Next, you are going to have to get your clients email address. Diet as you know is huge, it really helps to have your clients email you their food log daily. This will give you an idea of what they are eating, allow you to offer advice on what was a smart food choice and what wasn't. It will also allow for easy communication between you and your clients. Once they are capable of sticking to the food log, you can have them add a hunger scale, so that they are thinking before they eat something, if they are actually hungry or if they are eating because they are bored or emotional. Teach them what foods are high in protein, low GI, and have good fats, teach them to recognize hunger and to eat accordingly.

The biggest and most important thing, is that you actually have to care and want your clients to succeed.

Good luck glad.