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2003/04/01, 08:14 PM
Hi, I've been working out for about a month doing a generic total body workout the trainer gave to me. I think I'm ready to increase intensity and begin to make the workout my own. I usually will do what she has given me, then I've been playing around on the other equipment, trying to figure out what I like and whatnot. I usually do weight training for about 45 minutes and I don't feel like it is enough anymore. Now what should I do? Should I revamp the whole thing? Should I just add more weight? Should I just add more reps? How many of the other machines that I've been playing around on should I do? Surely I don't do every single machine in the gym, right? Can someone give me some guidelines? Thanks.
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2003/04/01, 08:56 PM
Well, personal trainers (if they know what they are doing) tailor a specific program to your needs. You say it's 1 month you have been doing this and you seem to have stalled now, what you should do is increase the weights or resistance that you are doing. Stick to this program for at least 8 weeks and just keep increasing the weights.
Hope this helps.
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We must become the change we want to see.
Ivan Montreal Canada
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2003/04/02, 12:20 PM
This initial training period when you start out with weight training is an invaluable phase which shouldnt be undervalued. This is were you learn the basic movement of weight from A to B and how your body feels after exercise.
I agree with carivan that you should stick with the 8 week program for now - but use this time wisely because this is a critical stepping stone to future progress.
When you finish your eight weeks please feel free to post again - there are plenty of people in here who will ofer good sound advice......above all be patient!!
goodluck
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2003/04/02, 01:00 PM
I have another view. You should always try to increse intensity, and if you feel like you can, don't change the exercise given, go ahead and up the weight a bit, making sure that you can still do the required amount of reps with GOOD FORM. As a personal trainer myself, you start a person out on a certain workout with a certain amount of weight that "you the trainer" feel they are comfortable with. But you really don't know how strong or weak that person is, so you have to listen to them, but be smart too. If theya are telling you they want to do all these exotic things you of course explain to them the reasons why not, and how important it is to get fundamentals down. But, on the other hand, if a person is doing the reps in a very easy manor, and they say they can do more, by all means, bump them up some, but keep an eye on them. If form starts to fail, drop them back. Some people are naturally strong. I think the trainee has to tell the trainer. As a trainer it is your duty to ask the trainee how they are feeling, how a particular weight feels, and listen to the trainee, which makes you a better trainer, and them achieve more out of their workouts so they keep coming back.
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The one goal you will NEVER achieve is the one you never attempt.
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2003/04/03, 03:11 PM
I feel that intensity at the early stage of training can sometimes get in the way of lifting technique.
Can we teach someone at such an early stage the value of "feel" and how to lift a weight from A to B??
Does intensity overide the invaluable need to learn how to lift weight correctly....the movement involved in the dumbell press from the peak squeeze/contraction at the top through the negative drop of the weight back down to the stretch. The focus on the chest muscle as you go through the exercise without burning out the triceps.
This for me is the the springboard from novice to intermediate - this is also why so many people fail at the first hurdle due to their obsession with "benching 250llbs"
they forget what their trying to achieve. It doesnt matter how much weight is on the bar - its what effect its having on the muscle - the intensity should come later when you are armed with the relevant knowledge.
Thoughts anyone?
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2003/04/03, 08:41 PM
baymaster... I'm feelin ya. you go brotha.
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MOO!
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2003/04/03, 09:26 PM
Well, intensity may not be the correct word in this scenario, the point I believe to make is determining where a client is, and by letting them move up if it is too easy for them. If it is too easy, they may feel they are not getting anything and get discouraged. This can be as bad as going too balls to the wall. There is a fine line, and listening to the client and guaging their capabilities is imperative to proper training for that particular client. Intensity as mentioned is probably the wrong word, but as long as form is not comprimised as I mentioned, let the client feel they are "pulling their weight" so to speak. They will feel much better about themselves too. Form is first and formost, noone wants them to start off with 3 plates on each side either.
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The one goal you will NEVER achieve is the one you never attempt.
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2003/04/04, 07:53 AM
People always equate intensity with lifting heavy weight. Somebody may have performed a few sets of curls with 5 lb dumbells and then when they are done they feel that they had an intense workout. It is not up to anybody to determine if an individual has worked out with enough intensity. Intensity can be somebody working out for the first time or somebody lifting a mere 10lbs for a chest press. My point is that poundages are only a number and too often that gets confused with intensity. If, at the end of the day a person can look back at that training session and think about how tough or "intense" it was, then that is all that matters. Regardless of the weight lifted.
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2003/04/04, 10:00 AM
Very good points from everyone, and none disputed in any way. Each client is unique is the point I believe, and you have to treat each as needed, especially if a living is to be made! My point I guess is to get in "tune" with whomever you are training. But under no circumstances, let form and proper technique suffer. And one other thing, a pet peeve while I am at it, as a trainer, do not only teach a client how to lift and use the equipment, but teach gym etiquette while at it! Like unloading their equipment, and most of all, share the equipment. They do not own that piece till they are done with their workout. Let others work in, don't read War and Peace inbetween sets while not moving. Great posts.
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The one goal you will NEVER achieve is the one you never attempt.
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2003/04/06, 11:13 AM
well said Mr bb...:] - its nice to have constructive debate which will benefit the ft members. We all have something to give and long may it continue - on the point of gym etiquette, i avoid these issues at all costs. I train in the gym when its quiet (or im the only one in there!) i get in....train...and get out. At the times when i have trained and its been busy, i fail to get the job done due to waiting for equipment or waiting for the guy who's on his 23rd set!!
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