Professional development

During high school I participated in Bigger Faster Stronger. This was the program that the coaching staff choose for the football team, and the MAX days were combined with our "clubs" for total weight club, max and points.

The thing I remember most is that the few "star" athletes received the most complete and continuing coaching.

These programs were a "one size fits all"- Defined here:

The term is also sometimes used pejoratively to describe a simplistic approach to a problem. This is a reference to the fact that “one size fits all” is not exactly a truism, since people often get left out when they have unique needs and issues. The term also suggests that all people are the same, which is clearly untrue.

What we know from the research is that a "one size fits all" sports performance improvement program design has a few consistent results when discussing comparison of Pre-Post test performance: 1) A few athletes improve performance greatly; 2) the majority improve mildly or remain the same; 3) some have a decrease in performance.

The problem is that the majority of those leading these programs lay blame for the poor results on individuals "not giving full effort", "not being consistent",   "not being very athletic"; and take credit for those that made gains because "they are true athletes", "I developed a great program", "they did what I designed"......and on and on.

Here is my point: 

As personal trainers and movement coaches it is our job to develop: The right program; for the right person; At the right time.

There must be consideration given to individual differences in movement and motor programs.

This is how I approach program development and implementation for all of my clients and groups.

Individualized attention first, prior to and in addition to the general program. This allows my to appreciate and modify techniques to maximize the end result for movement and athletic improvement

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Y Balance Test

I recently had the opportunity and honor to present the Upper and Lower Quarter Y Balance Test TM at the Good Samaritan Hospital Winter Sports Medicine Symposium in Dayton, OH. What a great opportunity to learn from experts in the field of Sports Medicine. Thomas Palmer MS, ATC, CSCS from Northern Kentucky University; Joseph Heiler PT, CSCS of SportsRehabExpert.com; Brian Padilla MS, PT, CSCS of Physical Edge; Brett Hoffman MS, ATC, CSCS of Good Samaritan Hospital Sports Medicine Center; and Dr. James Klosterman, MD of Good Samaritan Hospital Sports Medicine Center. It was a privilege to be able to participate, Thank you to Brett Hoffman for including me in this day.

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Kettlebells Los Angeles: It's been long overdue

Kettlebells Los Angeles: It's been long overdue

I am grateful to have mentors such as Dr. Mark Cheng along my way. Check out his website for greater insight into one of the masters of our time. His teaching and insight has helped me learn how to be a better student.

Movement

Movement.
There is a great new text out that will challenge your thoughts about how we as personal trainers and rehabilitation specialists approach our clients and patients. This is the one text that clearly describes a common working language for medical/ rehabilitation professionals and personal fitness trainers to effectively communicate. I highly recommend this new book from Gray Cook. After reading and absorbing the chapters you will be able to expand your approach to program development and client assessment, as well as have a greater appreciation for how working with other health and fitness professionals we can better serve our clients.

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Neuro-Developmental approach to Shoulder Stabilization

One of the ways I approach developing quality movement patterns in clients is to use a Neuro-Developmental approach. By building the fundamentals of movement from the ground up we help to reestablish our original movement program. This approach allows us to set a solid foundation upon which to build a better athlete.

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