|
|
Personal Training Program: The Swanson Way
My experience with Mark Asanovich in 2001 set the foundation for The Swanson Way. It was the education that Mark provided to me that introduced me to a proper fitness program. He has been one of the most successful head strength and conditioning coaches in the NFL since 1996. Mark taught me the goal of my fitness program is to achieve optimal physical fitness in a manner that is PRUDENT, PRODUCTIVE, PRACTICAL & PURPOSEFUL. That means reaching your goals the safest, most successful, sensible and specific manner is The Swanson Way.
What is a prudent fitness program? The answer lies in two questions: “Are the training protocols orthopedically-safe?” and “Are the training protocols physiologically-sound?” Obviously, it is the intent of any personal training program to ENHANCE the physical potentials of the clients rather than ENDANGER them. In other words, use your common sense. If an exercise or training technique looks dangerous – it probably is!
An orthopedically-safe program has at its foundation the execution of properly performed repetitions. The emphasis should always be on HOW the repetition is lifted rather than HOW MUCH is lifted. Every effort should be made to minimize the biomechanical loading (bouncing, recoiling, ect.) on muscles, joints and connective tissue, and to maximize muscular tension. Each repetition should be lifted under control in a deliberate fashion. Flex the muscle momentarily in the midrange of the exercise when the muscle is in its “fully contracted position”. Then lower the resistance slowly to the starting position. Obviously, this is the most difficult way to train; however it is also the most productive and prudent way to train.
A physiologically sound program is one that includes in its design the fundamental principles of training right, eating right, resting right and living right. As simple as it is to understand – it is anything but simple to do. To compromise anyone of these principles would likewise compromise your results. Do not allow yourselves to be fooled into thinking that there are “secret”, “short-cut” and/or “simple” means to achieve your goals – there are none. Rather, there is no substitute for progressively highly intense exercise, a nutritious meal plan, ample rest/recovery, and a common sense approach to a consistent training routine. What is a productive fitness program? Any “progressive” personal training protocol that has a systematic plan of increasing resistance/repetitions will produce results!
Maximal effort is required to develop maximal results. Do not confuse “Hard Work” to mean “More Work”. Truth be told, it does not take a maximal amount of work and/or time to develop maximal results. It does require maximal effort and maximal perseverance. In other words, physical fitness is USE IT OR LOOSE IT – AND DON’T ABUSE IT! Train hard, chart your progression, allow ample time to rest/recover between workouts and incorporate variety into your program to prevent overtraining and monotony. What is a practical fitness program? As stated, all progressive personal training protocols are PRODUCTIVE – none more significant than the other; however, not all are equally PRACTICAL. Your fitness goals can be reached either by exposing the muscle to a lengthy “high volume” of exercise or by brief “high intensity” exercise. Both training protocols have their advantages and disadvantages. However, given the time constraints on people today, it is much more practical to decrease the volume of training in favor of increasing the intensity of training to get the same results in less time. In other words, the training goal should be to spend the minimal amount of time to derive the maximal amount of benefits. Period! What is a purposeful fitness program? Fitness programs are a method of attaining your goal - not your goal itself. All of my client’s goals may differ from person to person. It is the purpose of my program to save the client time and attain their goals. I am also an educator. My clients have a better understanding on how the workout program benefits them. Your fitness goals can be achieved with progressive resistance exercise, ample time to recover/rebuild, a nutritious meal plan, commitment and common sense. EXPECTATIONS & EXECUTION – NO EXCUSES & NO EXPLANATIONS
|
|
|