To be a good personal trainer, it is important to know basic ways the human body works regarding fitness. It is also important to understand the behavior of humans in order to best motivate them and encourage them. Continue reading to learn five things every personal trainer should know to be effective.
Table of Contents
1. Human Energy Pathways
There are three basic energy pathways in a human body that every client will have to utilize in their workout. All three work in tandem and are utilized depending upon what is required at the time. The three systems are the aerobic system, the phosphagen system and the anaerobic glycolysis system.
The aerobic system is also called the oxidative energy system as it requires oxygen. This is the automatic energy system in the body. It can be trained via twenty minutes of consistent exercise intermixed with some high intensity intervals.
The phosphagen system, or ATP-CP, is an anaerobic system that does not require oxygen. ATP is released via CP for bursts of energy that last ten seconds. You can train this energy system by allowing a client to use maximum effort for a quick burst, but remember to calculate each client’s needs.
The anaerobic glycolysis system utilizes glucose for energetic bursts. This system is utilized for any workout that is longer than ten seconds. It can be used up to two minutes for advanced clients, or thirty seconds for a beginner. Do the exercise again when breathing is returned to normal, with increased repetitions occurring overtime.
2. Force
Workouts utilize a basic method of physics in putting specific muscle groups against resistance, whether it is one’s own limb or a weight. Different muscles will work differently depending on what is being lifted. The heavier the weight, the more muscles are utilized. The force utilized is also dependent upon the type of resistance, whether it be a weight bar or resistance band.
3. The Principle of Said
There are specific adaptations made to imposed demands, called the SAID principle. The body will change based upon constantly bettering it to perform more and more. The demands of workouts should be based upon what results the client is hoping to get.
4. The Effects of Stress
Stress can be good and bad for your clients. There are both small and large stressors that will affect your clients both in and out of the gym. On top of external stressors, the clients are also receiving stress from the workout routines. The right amount of work provides positive stress, while too much for the client causes bad stress, especially if they are already undergoing external stressors. The client may become more frustrated if they are experiencing too much stress, which will eventually limit motivation. It is important to have empathy when determining routines for and working with your clients.
5. Human Behavior Based on Psychology
In order to develop a connection with your clients and get the best results, you have to be able to, as aforementioned, emphasize with them and understand them. Look for nonverbal signs to how clients feel about certain routines or changes. Clients often will not speak up and will continue to do the things they dislike, even if they are becoming frustrated. Always ask questions to better understand a client’s feelings behind a routine and find out the client’s inner dialogue.
Personal trainers are there to ensure a client’s happiness and to ensure a client’s goals are met. This can be achieved through understanding the five scientific theories listed above. It is important, however, to not risk your health or safety for that of the clients. With that in mind, consider Insure Fitness Group for personal trainer liability insurance. Be protected from your own injuries and from potential lawsuits, no matter how much you understand the way a human body works.
