When I first get a client or even when I am working with clients on a regular basis, I try to keep one thing in mind. What can we do with this individuals body to make them work, look, and feel better. As such, my training has evolved into a more comprehensive process. Sure I want to make sure that we get our heart rates up some and work our muscles (I don't do a lot of cardio with my clients because, although it is good to a point, eventually it breaks a body down.). But now it isn't just about working the muscles. It is about making them more functional. Making them work in conjunction with other muscle groups so there is more balance. Creating balance though addressing areas that need to be improved and enhancing strengths is my focus now.
When I look at a individuals physique. I often watch how they move and what sorts of ranges of motion they have. Then I look at their aesthetic balance. People always say to me - "I am not trying to look like Mr. Universe" as if adding muscle in all the right spots will morph them into some muscle bound freak. I always respond with a giggle because I know what it takes for those muscle bound freaks to look like that. The fact is though, more often than not - an aesthetically pleasing physique with developed musculature in the right places is also a functional physique.
I often get a little self conscious when I start talking about building bodies and well developed musculature. I always worry that I don't embody the picture of ideal physical development. But for those of you have read previous posts - you know that what I look like now is a far cry from what I was given to work with genetically. Sure I had a decent sized frame, but my muscle bellies were long and not prone to growth. So I have had to work hard and long for years to develop a body that is finally functional and that I am happier with. With all that said, I also get a little self conscious because I wonder if people think it odd that I talk all this talk about physical development but then see me eating and drinking a little too much at times. Well, all I can say about that is that I try my darndest to pay the piper every day in the gym. Even though I might enjoy myself a little too much which may sometimes mask what I do with my body in the gym - the fact is - I still practice what I preach in the gym every single day. Because of this I can honestly say that I believe this is why I remain relatively injury free and feel strong and healthy.
