Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Progressing Clients


Recently my personal training clients have begun the second phase of their fat loss/strength building routines. It is of popular demand right now to attack fat loss clients with high intensity, complexing, and leg numbing workouts. Honestly this sort of protocol can be effective with the right type of people. To be honest, even if this is the most effective route when dealing with fat loss clients, I guarantee many whom are seeking fat loss would drop out of your programs if constantly confronted with HIIT, sledge hammer work, and sprints. You must first establish and teach them and make it clear how important establishing movement patterns is. This was phase 1. Using a progressive approach to establishing quality movement before moving on to higher intensity complexes.
Here is an example of "fat loss" exercises we used with several beginner clients when they came in.
Phase 1 Week 1
Explosive- KB Swings
Hip Extension-Pull Through, RDL w/reach
Knee Dom- Split Squat (w/ support for some)
Horz Push- Push ups, DB bench w/ NG
Horz Pull- 1 arm row, face pulls, cable rows
Vert Pull- cable pull down, chins
Vert push- Curl 2 press

Now after a great phase which lasted 6 weeks, they have made considerable progress and now have progressed to much more metabolic and complex movements. These which would have been possible before phase one but with sub standard form which would have led to soreness in all the wrong areas (low back, knees, etc..) Now everything we do is tri-sets with more of an emphasis on complexing movements. We still focus on strength with much of our first tri-set and from there after it is fairly metabolic.
Here is an example of a Phase 2 workout which we used with a client:

0 sec between lifts 45-60 sec between sets
Tri Set 1
Trap Bar DL- 3x5
NG DB Push Press- 3x8 each
Cable Hold-3x20sec
Tri set 2
SS 1 arm row- 3x10 each
1 Leg RDL w/ KB-3x10 each
Anterior Core- 3x10
Tri set 3
Scaption-2x12
External Rotation 2x12
Face Pulls- 2x12
ESD- 1 arm KB Swing 2 jump squat/BW Squat
10 swings per arm 2 10 jumps w/ 30 sec rest x 6+

This has worked out very well and I look forward to progressing them from here. I know there are a lot of very quality fat loss workouts out there right now but a majority of them are just far to advanced for an first time weight lifter looking to shed some pounds. Start basic and in time the exercise can pick up. Remember, fat loss isn't a quick fix, it is a progressive lifestyle change. The exercise should fit that progressive change they are making.

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