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2004/07/06, 11:59 AM
No problem, Oscar. Just keep an open mind about your training, train with both free weights and assisted movements such as the Smith Machine, and you'll end up stronger, well-rounded, and ready to move on to your own personal next level.
Train hard AND smart!
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Aaron M. Potts
Aarons Personal Training
http://www.aaronspersonaltraining.com
http://www.issacertifications.com
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2004/07/06, 01:17 AM
Just got thru with a bad leg day. I didn't eat anything good pre-workout and had been sitting all day. I didn't go down enough during squats and felt unmotivated. Should I switch my squats to something else so that I can develop my legs better so that I can later come back stronger and more ready for them? Or maybe switch to box/safety squats? The gym usually has enough people to were someone is using those seats for box squats so in cases like those I just use the smith machine but feel like I'm just cheating.
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.:: How am I to know what I can achieve if I quit? :: oscarg@freetrainers.com ::.
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2004/07/06, 07:53 AM
Oscar,
Using the Smith Machine or other devices for squatting movements is not cheating. However, it also doesn't develop your stabilizer muscles as much, either. I would recommend 2 things:
1) Use the Smith and other machines every once in awhile for a change of pace.
2) Do standard free weight movements, but with lower weights. Even if you have to significantly drop your weights - especially for squats - it is better to do good quality reps with lower weight than sloppy reps with heavier weight. Once you have developed your stabilizers through perfect form with lower weight, you will be able power up heavier weights later on.
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Aaron M. Potts
Aarons Personal Training
http://www.aaronspersonaltraining.com
http://www.issacertifications.com
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2004/07/06, 11:26 AM
Hi Aaron
I do feel like it's cheating cause I can usually do about 35-45lb more with better form since I don't have to worry on keeping the bar balanced. But if you say it works then that's good enough for me.
Thanks for the reply.
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2004/07/08, 01:20 AM
Just visited your site. Very nice. There's something i wanted to ask. How long does it take to become a CERTIFIED FITNESS TRAINER? I'll be looking for a new job in a few more months and I'm thinking that maybe this time I should work someplace where I wouldn't mind working at. I know they also get paid well. Is there any info that you or someone here can tell me about that?
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2004/07/08, 07:58 AM
Oscar,
In the window of a few months that you mentioned, you could definitely get certified if you applied yourself to the studies. Basically what you do is order the program that you want, get the study materials, go through the program at home, then do a weekend seminar with the certifying agency. At the seminar, you get some great hands-on knowledge, and then take the certification test itself.
Personally, I recommend the ISSA. They are the most well-rounded certification agency who still remain very flexible on things such as how/when to take the test, paying for the certification itself, etc. You can check out their Certified Fitness Trainer program here:
http://www.issacertifications.com/cft.html
Click the ISSA link at the bottom of the page to fill out the information request form. Also, the ISSA has just updated this program, which means that it is now filled with the LATEST information, and not education that was current 10 years ago!
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Aaron M. Potts
Aarons Personal Training
http://www.aaronspersonaltraining.com
http://www.issacertifications.com
Sign Up For Our Free Fitness Newsletter!
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