ROLES OF A MOVEMENT SPECIALIST

In previous post, I already established that all “functional workouts” is far from all the time functional and appropriate for everyone. Workouts and exercises are only as functional as your body allows it to be, and that varies between individuals. Isolating exercises (note; not a word of Satan) can and sometimes has to be done to improve overall strength, performance and movement. Assessing movement patterns is the only way to know if an exercise is appropriate and performed correctly and there are several tools to use for this purpose (that I will give examples of later).



A trainer that's not active in the workout, looks at the client/athlete from different angles and regress/progress on the spot, is simply a "rep-counter" (and a very expensive one).
There are currently no regulations on the personal trainer-title, therefore quality ranges widely. Quality personal trainers are more than just physically fit, screaming, adrenaline junkies, rockin the latest haircut (a la "Biggest Looser"). Quality personal trainers are movement specialists.

To assess and correct movement patterns, it's required to view the body both as a whole as well as broken down into parts. You would never ask a mechanic what's wrong with your car, simply by driving past with a clicking sound coming somewhere from the engine, right?

Now, how can you (the fitness enthusiast, weekend-warrior, beginner or gym-rat) be sure the exercise is appropriate, performed correctly and within your limits? Well, that's a lot to ask and here's where the professional movement specialists (quality personal trainer) comes into the picture, to evaluate and correct form and develop workout programs for optimal movement patterns and body function. You simply won't find the answer from your workout buddy, nor by watching yourself in the mirror and definitely not by reading the fitness section in the daily newspaper (that can sometimes be ridiculously misleading). Also, rarely you'll get correct answers from doctors, chiropractors, athletic trainers, etc. Every profession has its own area of expertise, similar to why a race car team has mechanics, engineers, coaches and drivers, all with their own distinguished, specific task to optimize performance. With all respect for the work and knowledge of other health professionals, knowing how to move, perform and behave is a whole different ball game (although, I'm not saying this knowledge is completely exclusive to personal trainers).

So, to anyone that's ever questioned why to hire a personal trainer, besides boosting motivation, inspiration, assist in life-coaching, give nutrition advice, schedule workout plans, change habits etc, educating people in how to move is what I think one of the greatest reasons why literally everyone benefits from getting feedback from a movement specialist. To me, it's the height of pro-activity (and intelligence?) to avoid the “don't fix it until it's broken”-approach that can not only optimize performance but also save money, time and pain from visits to doctors, physicians, etc.

It's been said many times before, hiring a movement specialist (quality trainer) is an investment in yourself and your health – and what's more important in life than health?