12/08/2022
I used to follow these 5 rules but…
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Now I break them all the time.
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Here’s the reasons:
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1️⃣ Rule: as a former powerlifter, I also started my workout with my biggest lifts. And applied that to my clients. Whoops.
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Fix: my clients aren’t powerlifter, so now I solve their biggest problems first.
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Doing a squat or bench press at the end of your 48 year old clients workout isn’t going to set them back 2 years of training Westside style.
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2️⃣ Rule: barbell is always first in workout bc you can go heaviest (see rule 1) and is helpful to show newbies how strong they can get BUT
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They’ll need to switch exercises after 6-8 weeks.
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Then, get them stronger in a different version of the same lift.
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3️⃣ Rule: I’ve heard the arguments lately how muscles and joints never work in one single plane. And I agree.
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BUT:
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My body feels most “well oiled” when I balance close grip chin-ups, Guillotine barbell presses, Arnold’s and wide grip pulldowns. Same with legs: trap deads, sumo elevated, slide lateral, and cross over/under step ups.
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4️⃣ Rule: listen to what the client REALLY wants.
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If client wants to lift heavier but is negating form, tell them a story about form matters and ego doesn’t
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If a client saw an under Armour commercial and wants to do an exercise from it, Coach them how to do it SAFELY.
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If a client wants to do more cardio or HIIT, recommend a HRM so they can get more accurate with their training and what actually is HIIT.
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5️⃣ This one boggles my mind. My “going rate” used to be 120 for 1, 110 for 10 and 100 for 20 sessions. Guess which one I sold the most of!?
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Folks gravitate towards higher levels of commitment bc it feels better at the time plus they want “discounts” for paying for more (this is old school).
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But research now suggests a monthly membership is a gentle reminder of that commitment whereas folks think of “stretching out” packages to make them last.
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V different mindset. Plus if everyone paid me $20 more (and I did 100 sessions a month) that’s 24k a year!
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Please don’t follow rules that were made to be broken and DON’T DISCOUNT!
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