Why aren't you at this event? Do you already know it all?
In her session, One of the Top 10 Biggest Mistakes Trainers Make and How to Avoid Them, Nicki Anderson listed the know-it-all mentality as one trap personal trainers fall into. "I have a degree and 7 years of experience. I don't need to go to a conference to learn anything new. There's nothing new. I know it all." How can that be possible? I really want to know.
Hardly anyone was talking about fascial lines 10 years ago. As the conversation has expanded, now we've moved beyond foam rolling and basic self-myofascial release techniques to deeper understandings of other integrated systems that tie into and synergize with fascia. A lot of the programming I've seen at this event focuses on preparing the entire organism for movement. Pre-stress, pre-generate, pre-think the system clean before the system has a chance to clog. I'm not talking about warm-ups, either. I'm talking about the prequel to warming up.
If you were here, you'd know what I'm talking about. I know, I know...you are here in spirit. Many of you are. A lot of personal trainers, however, are missing the mark in their assessments and foundations, and this includes business acumen. But when it comes to the body--understanding it and training it--you really need to light a match in your brain and let that fire build.
In his session Walking Tall--What Your Client's Gait Can Tell You Before They Even Speak, Dan Hellman, PT, talked about how important a properly functioning pelvis is. If you think you already know this, then can you explain the myofascial slings in detail? Can you speak to how organ function might inhibit the inner unit? Are you smart and conscientious enough to not allow your clients to run before they can walk? "The pelvis is your foundation for the spine, your dream home," Hellman said. "You must be able to properly assess this when looking at gait."
Have you built your career on a weak foundation? Are you running when you can't even walk properly? There are plenty of personal trainers here who struggle to do a squat, can't name primary movers and who ignore their own body's plea for regeneration. I'm not knocking them--I give them lots of credit for being here. My question is: if we're not strengthening the foundation of our own bodies, minds and spirits, then how can we train and coach others to do the same effectively?
Check in with your dream home, whatever that means to you. Are you burned out from working too much? Is your body crying out for some TLC? Is your client base currently all doing the same workout? Now take a look at your foundation--your health, your education, your sense of purpose. Don't be afraid to tear something down and start over. That's how muscles get strong, after all.
Comments