Take the Power!

I post a workout every Monday, as everyone probably knows by now.  It has been a while since I have talked about how that weekly workout is not exactly what I do with anyone because—news flash!—everyone’s body is different!

I came fairly late to the Question Authority movement.  All of us good little children like to make the teacher happy by doing what we’re told.  Now that I am that teacher in some ways, I really don’t want a bunch of mindlessly obedient clients.

Some exercises are not good for some bodies.  When I know in advance that someone has knee issues, or shoulder issues, or a twisted ankle, or a sensitive lower back, I automatically make substitutions for inappropriate exercises.  However, I really want people working out with me to tell me, in the moment, if something is uncomfortable.  There are a very few exercises that, by nature, are not fun (yes, I am looking at you, hamstring curls), but in most cases, the exercise should not hurt.  I can find alternative ways to get at the same muscle groups in most instances.  If I can’t, we can work something else and come back to that muscle group another time.

Sometimes we don’t even need to substitute exercises.  Sometimes a small adjustment of form or a change of weight or angle can make the difference between the right amount of work and large amounts of suffering.

Working out is supposed to empower us.  We get stronger in our bodies.  We also need to take charge of our destiny and get stronger in our minds.

We can do this.