Don’t Try To Fit a Square Peg in A Round Hole

5/18/08 Posted in Grinnell Training System  |  0 Comments

Be cautious when reading about health and fitness in the media 

By Justin Grinnell B.S., CSCS, NASM-CPT 

Now more than ever we have so many ways to access information. We find our news on the Internet, the many news channels, books, magazines, infomercials, and much more. Just at the click of the mouse on the computer you can find out almost anything that you want in this world, especially about health and fitness.

Trying to find the best ways to stay fit and healthy is as popular as ever, and finding the best way to do it can be the most confusing thing to do. With such a high abundance of information comes a lot of great information, and also a lot of misinformation. I deal with all the crazy fad diet questions, the best way to work your abs, and how to get rid of that arm flab everyday. Even I sometimes get overwhelmed with all the information out there!

Over the past six years I have experienced so many different ways on how to get my clients and myself in shape and live a healthy and fit lifestyle. Some have worked and some have been just a joke, but that is what it is all about. Trial and error until each individual finds what works for them.

There is no one way to do everything. All of us are different in many ways, and that is how I approach my clients when I am working with them. Sure, there are some “foundations” of nutrition and exercise that I follow, but it is the small tweaks that matter for each individual. I am for anything that works! If it helps or has a neutral effect I say give it a shot and stick with it. I believe that there is no best “style” or one “style” to do anything in life.

There are some key things that I follow when dealing with my clients and others who come to me for advices about working out. First, I tell them to look a safety, intensity, and volume of the workouts. Right now there are two huge workout regimens on the rise, crossfit.com and px90. If you haven’t heard of them crossfit.com is a website full of fun and VERY intense workouts. I actually love the sight! It is dedicated to helping our armed forces and service men and women stay in shape. As I will always say I am for any human movement that is fun and safe. But I tell people to use caution when trying crossfit.comworkouts.

They are not for everyone, and there is really no emphasis on structure of the workouts regarding intensity, volume, mobility, injuries, and health history of an individual. Same goes for px90, a huge video series out right now that I actually like as well! The px90 series is more structured thancrossfit.com and a little more individualized, but how specific can a workout routine like that get when they are sending it out to millions of people?

Again, I really do like these workout regimens, but I am always for people best interest. You can’t train everyone the same. Progressions are key, and they are very individual. Know why you are doing everything when choosing a workout plan. Just because a famous trainer does it with there client (that means don’t copy J-Lo’s workout that they show on TV) doesn’t men it is a good reason to do it! It is an easy way to get hurt; I have done it myself many times.

 The best advice I can give is be very critical when reading about all the training and nutrition advices out there. There is a ton of information good and bad. Read as much as you can and choose what you think is best for you. Ask a professional that knows what they are talking about, and go with it if it works. I try to read 30-60 minutes everyday and I pick and choose what I like wisely.

I first look at how good the source is, and then if the information is consistent with other sources that I have found. Is it safe, fun, and realalitsic. If it is too good to be true or way out in left field, then it is probably not a good choice. Look at the intensity and the volume of the workouts and individual and adjust to meet your specific needs.

I always have been and always will be a very opened mined trainer when it comes to working out. I love all human movement and exercise if it is safe, fun, effective, and individualized. I even try to individualize my Boot Camps as much as I can in such a large group setting. I want the people I work with to get the most out of what they do. Try to learn as much as you can and always ask questions. Find what works for you and go with it!