Getting In Shape First?!

I hear this on the weekly basis:

"I want to get in shape before I work with a trainer."

For the next month I see them working on on of these:





Here are some reasons to work with a trainer before "getting in shape for a trainer":

1. Imbalances - Try a one leg squat to a bench. I haven't seen a case where one leg is equally as strong as the other leg. I've covered this a bit in an earlier blog but these imbalances not only in your legs can lead to not so nice compensation patterns down the road. This is a big reason your lower back or knees hurt, not your lower back or knees.

2. Muscle Mass - Resistance training is the key to fat loss. Plain and simple the more muscle mass you build, the more fat you are going to burn off while not training. Guess what, you burn off most of your calories while not training. Wouldn't it make sense to build incorporate resistance training to your training, instead of losing muscle mass while going for a jog on that treadmill.

3. Program Design - People like to do things that are easy in most cases. Plain and simple. You can also pick up some new movements instead of using the same ones you've used for the "past 20 years".

4. Diet Tips - I see people who start on their quest in "becoming healthy" start off very well. Or so it seems. Short-term diets are just that short-term. Carb tolerance and carb intake in general is something that is overlooked I think in most cases. Look for a lifestyle change not that quick fix.

5. Each Situation is Different - You shouldn't be following a program that you picked up from someone else that seemed to work for them. Each individual is different and has different things to be addressed. This can lead to quicker results.

6. Exercise Technique - I have clients who come to me with the notion that squats hurt their knees. After about 2 minutes of correcting their form they can squat pain free. This example goes to any other exercise that you perform. If it causes pain by all means stop doing it but in most cases I see form is the problem. Faulty movements lead to pain.

7. Education - Ever heard of self myofascial release? Or used a dynamic warm up? Or know what the main cause of knee/low back pain is? If not that's even more reason to find someone who can educate you on not only these areas but YOUR needs as well.