Return To Summer 1996 Index
Return To Summer 1996 Index
Imagine the scenario. You've been coming to the Gym three times a week for six months and your about ready for another change to your training programme. At last you can see results. You feel firmer, fitter, stronger and have begun to develop a sense of well-being associated with regular exercise.
So you approach the instructor, training programme in hand...
Three months ago he added ten minutes to your Cardiovascular (CV) work and 3 exercises to the weight training programme. Your confidence is high as you've coped well with these additions which added almost half an hour on to your original programme. You eagerly anticipate your progression to the next level of physical fitness.
Fifteen minutes later you are able to sit and digest your new regime. The CV work has been extended to 40 minutes split 3 ways, bike, stepper and rower. And the weight training programme has expanded to a mammoth 16 exercises. There is a sudden realisation that you have indeed entered a new level: the two hour training session! (Sounds awful! - Ed)
Alarm bells
If this situation sounds familiar the alarm bells should be sounding. (Sure are, boy! - Ed!) I have been to a number of clubs where people have brought this type of scenario to my attention. It is becoming all too common to find Health Clubs packed with members slogging away at 2 hour plus workouts.
Why is this happening? Is there a price to pay? And is there a solution?
Over the next few issues I will be highlighting a number of areas which have been brought to my attention by novice weight trainers.
In this issue I will discuss one area which may contribute to an early dropout rate amongst novice weight trainers. The length of time spent training.
I recently visited a private Health Club where the problem was highlighted. The club was relatively new but established, and starting to expand by taking on more members. This required the addition of new equipment and instructors.
One of these instructors was newly qualified through one of the many reputable courses available today in an industry which is strictly controlled and regulated. He was inexperienced but extremely keen and full of knowledge, setting about the task of advising members about their training with relish.
However, his only method for advancing a training programme beyond the beginner stage was to add two or three exercises to the end of the list. Therefore, a 'basic core programme' taking just over an hour to complete would eventually evolve into a 2 hour test of endurance without a structure based on sound principles of weight training.
Amazingly the Head Instructor was aware of his over enthusiastic approach yet made no efforts to amend it. In fact she admitted that adding more exercises to the end of a programme was not normal practice but saw no problem with new members training for one and a half hours plus. In this instance there were two areas which caused concern, poor instruction and poor management of instructors.
The right hand knew what the left was doing but chose to ignore it. In some clubs instructors appear blissfully unaware of the teaching practices of their colleagues whilst in others they seem to compete against one another for popularity amongst members. In all cases the training advice offered will often conflict. Ultimately this leads to a very confused 'Club Training Philosophy' presenting a negative atmosphere for the members.
The price members pay for over-extended training programmes can include: onset of fatigue halfway through a session; substantial loss of concentration; over-training; a sinking feeling at the thought of embarking on yet another session; the impression that this is the norm where fitness training is concerned; loss of motivation; potential injury; discontinuation of exercise;
The price the Health Club may pay can include: members experience a lack of confidence in the staff; staff experience a lack of guidance and direction by the management; loss of members due to greater drop out rate; general air of dissatisfaction by remaining members; loss of business;
The solution?
In many cases the problem may be addressed with adequate provision of staff training.
At club level instructors need to operate with a single training philosophy in mind. Their professionalism and confidence in each other should communicate itself to the members. This can be achieved through regular staff training, workshops, and discussions based on sound principles and up to date knowledge of techniques. Prescription of training programmes needs to be examined in detail. At the same time this should not compromise the unique teaching style and charisma that each instructor should bring to a club.
Ideally, a basic programme for a beginner should take no more than an hour to complete and include between 10 and 20 minutes CV work, no more than 10 weight training exercises, and some flexibility. The weight training exercises should be tailored to meet the needs of the individual yet still set out in a specific order, adhering to sound training principles.
Even following adjustments to improve or advance a programme to intermediate level it should take no more than about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. Most advanced weight trainers now believe shorter more intense sessions are best lasting no longer than 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Basing sessions on the above time scale will allow members to maintain training intensity, concentration and motivation throughout the whole session. Instructors should endeavour to tailor training programmes to meet the needs of individual members. An individualised approach to training will aid motivation and encourage people to maintain a healthy active lifestyle.
I believe many clubs sink or swim depending on the reputation and practice of their instructors. Adopting the strategies mentioned will keep the members faithful and this is very good for business.
In the next issue I will look at the problems surrounding the prescription of training programmes, and discuss how to structure a basic core programme and progress it to an intermediate level using sound training principles. Until then train sensibly and enjoy it. (I think I need a drink - Ed!)
More low-down on the fitness scene in the next issue.
