Injury prevention, Training Basics, Training for sports

Programming adjustment for single limb training

The primary reason that I love unilateral training is that it helps to identify strength and flexibility differences from side to side. I see these across all types of people, but especially among those who play a sport that uses one side more than the other. If you think about it, this is almost every sport with the exception of running, swimming and cycling (If I missed one please let me know in the comments below). Even those sports will tend to have a unilateral element to it:

Training Basics

Should personal trainers work out?

I’ve given it some more thought, and have come to a slightly different conclusion. I maintain that our goals should direct our training and if our goals differ from those of our clients; so should our workouts…

Nutrition, Training Basics

What should you eat? Your body will tell you

Let’s face it, the field of nutrition has become more religion than science, with each sect being led by some assortment of post-hole diggers. Which PhD is right and which ones are wrong? What if they’re all right and they’re all wrong? In other words, what if there’s no such thing as THE ONE TRUE DIET?

Training Basics

My personal training studio in Ottawa is finally open!

Let’s see, there’s the awesome training with great people (semi-private training is way more fun). That should be enough right there. But if you’re still wondering about the equipment:

Dual power rack means 2 people can be either squatting or bench pressing at once
2 chin up bars with superbands for assisted pullups
2 TRX suspension trainers
a 10 foot slideboard for lateral conditioning (hello skiers, hockey, tennis and ultimate players!)
a Freemotion functional trainer for all your cable needs
a multitude of bands and floor anchor for anti-rotation training
medicine balls and a cinder block wall to throw them against
stability balls and a wobble board

Nutrition, Training Basics

Poor health habits in times of stress

Whether it is work, family, or money, stress hits every one of us. And over the past couple of weeks, I have responded to stress the way most people tend to: I ate and drank more, and I slept, socialized and worked out less. And I’m a personal trainer – I know better!

Training Basics

Personal training manifesto

Then Michael Boyle posted his manifesto and I was immediately converted. It was brilliant and I think so important that every trainer and every person who hires a trainer should read.

Nutrition, Training Basics

I challenge you

Is it habit? Boredom? Filling some psychological void? I have no idea. But it occurred to me that I am probably carrying a few unnecessary pounds as a result of useless and rewardless snacking. Mindless eating at its best.