Okay, I was hesitant to share this but I'm going to be totally honest w/ my influences.
First some background (forgive the length).
I've been seriously into various types of fitness for over 20 years. I was primarily into weight training from my late twenties til my mid thirties. I worked out mostly in gyms but also supplemented at home. Then one day, using a lat attachment on my weight bench (which fit the unit but wasn't the correct unit for the bench (different companies) I had a bad accident where the whole bench flipped over while I was doing long pulley rows and the top pulley hit me full force between my left eye and temple when the unit came down.
I was quite lucky because even though I had a bad injury (down to the bone) had it hit my eye it would have destroyed it, had it hit my temple it probably would have killed me form the force. Somehow it didn't break my orbit which is a miracle. They stitched up my face from the inside out and fortunately I just have a small thin scar. My wife was home at the time fortunately and got me to the hospital. What is amazing is how easily she threw all that equipment off of me because she knew I was hurt badly (I looked like Arnold in the terminator when his face is all opened up at the end).
Anyway, enough of all that.....
After that accident I was a bit gun shy. I still worked out but lost my "edge".
Years later, due to back issues (which I've had forever) I wanted to do Yoga. I couldn't afford classes (two young children to support and not much money) I decided to try a Yoga Video. That led to a purchases of MANY videos and books and I became a Yogaholic. I learned so easily from the videos that when I finally was able to take classes I was already very experienced and my form was pretty much perfect from learning at home.
For TEN years I did nothing but various forms of Yoga (LOTS of power vinyasa Yoga) and maintained pretty decent condition.
I learned Pilates the same way and started to incorporate that into my routine.
Anyway, Years later I started strength training again along w/ the Yoga and Pilates. I also started getting involved in message boards dealing w/ home fitness and stuff.
I heard from several people on one of the boards about a program by Tony Horton (I had never seen the infomercials nor would I have bought it from those because most of them make bogus promises). Some folks who were personal trainers were actually raving about the programs so I tried it and got amazing results (I posted my before and after pics below because I think they show what I was able to accomplish in a few months, going from a mostly "Yoga" body to one that was based on "cross training" w/ the P90X system).
Then I got some stuff by Gunnar Peterson (an ACE certified trainer and one of the top trainers in hollywood) and started doing his Stability ball workouts called Core Secrets.
Even recently (a week ago) I picked up a medicine ball workout by Olympic great Mitch Gaylord and I've been loving that.
I'm constantly looking for ideas for things I'll be able to incorporate w/ minimal equipment for training folks at their homes. Of course I'll be taking the basic concepts of the exercises and modify the one's I'd want to incorporate into a program to fit each client.
So I'd have to say that a lot of my influences are from folks who I've gotten to learn from via media.
I find that since I already had years of experience w/ training before I ever used any of those programs (plus a tremendous amount of discipline along w/ my love of fitness) I had a solid background from personal experience and knew how to modify programs to work for myself. Still, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to the fact that I have learned a tremendous amount from these various teachers.
Anyway, the reason I'm bringing this all up is that I've had my best results working out at home even though I enjoy working out in gyms. Those results, especially what I did last year w/ P90X at 47 years old, made me want to be able to help people improve their fitness but at first I wasn't seriously considering becoming a trainer.
Once I decided to become one, I was especially excited at the idea of being able to train them at their own homes. I think there are a LOT of people out there who would never be comfortable stepping foot in a gym, or perhaps the logistics of getting to the gym (especially folks w/ young kids who don't want to stick their kids in a gyms babysitting facilities) who would rather have someone train them at home. That is my primary focus.
I'm not opposed to training folks at gyms (and obviously my son trains at Velocity Sports performance with world class trainers, I wouldn't want him to rely on "media" to train for football, though it could be a fun supplement for an athlete), but I'm a big believer in what can be done with minimal equipment IF (and it's a big IF) folks are willing to do the work needed.
That being said, I'm also a believer in consistency over intensity for most folks. Most people's problems that I see in our society isn't from not working out intensely enough but from not doing it regularly (if at all). If folks can find a way to do a little, but do it often, they can maintain their fitness at quite a decent level (if they eat cleanly). If they want to push into extreme results then they have to bust their chops, be willing to deal with some discomfort and push harder. But for most people, if they can work out moderately but do it consistently (something almost daily) then they can make a positive impact on the quality of their lives and health.
Anyway, so I guess a lot of my influences are from folks like Yoga teachers Baron Baptiste, Tracey Rich/Ganga White (White Lotus Yoga), Bryan Kest, Rod Stryker (and others), plus fitness folks like Tony Horton, Gunnar Peterson and most recently Mitch Gaylord.
I also have been a fan of Arnold's for years as well as Frank Zane from the old days of Bodybuilding (I've watched Pumping Iron a thousand times). Even though those guys were chemically enhanced and I don't believe in that (in fact performance enhancing drugs have no place in any sport or any place in my opinion) they still made me want to work out hard in my early days.
Anyway, those are the things that have influenced me over the years and helped me maintain a very high level of fitness.
In fact, I forgot to mention that it was last summer on my family reunion/vacation, when everyone saw the kind of shape I had gotten into from that Tony Horton program that I was getting asked if I had considered ever training people.
I have been teaching for over 26 years, it's something I apparently have a gift for, and one of my sister in laws kept saying "You're a natural to be a trainer, you've got the love of fitness and the teaching experience".
At first I resisted the idea of wanting to take something I loved so much, something that helps me "relieve" stress, and turn it into a job (which might create MORE "stress"), but the more I thought about it the more I realized that it was a perfect fit. After much research I decided that ACE seemed like the best first step for me.
Now all I've gotta do is pass that exam August 14th so I can be certified.
So as strange as this may all sound, that's my story and some of my influences.
I'd be lying if I said that I didn't want to buy those very same programs that you bought. Whatever got you here, you are here now so Just Do It lol
every trainer that I have talked to loves the P90X program but say it is definitely not for beginners.
so how did Yoga do your back? I have some flexibility issues that I am addressing but have always been curious about Yoga.
Hi Shawn,
RE: P90X, It's amazing how many people who were not only trainers but one exercise physiologist who was doing the program on the board I was on. We had a P90X check in at a website and we would discuss our experiences as we went thru the process. It was very helpful not to go thru that process "alone" because it was tough.
I agree, P90X is definitely NOT for beginners. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who buy it who are not only beginners, but seriously overweight. It was designed for people who were already fit but wanted to get really fit.
I think some folks must think they can go from being obese to ripped in 90 days and that is not only totally UNrealistic and discouraging but dangerous for them to even attempt.
I was in pretty good shape when I started and it was still very difficult to do. I will admit that I felt pretty overtrained by the end. I would never do it exactly the same way again, but use the workouts with a modified rotation. Still, I did get great results so the system definitely delivers on it's promise if it's done by someone who is in shape to begin with. :)
There are aspects of the program that I don't like, in particular the Yoga program isn't very good, doesn't compare to other programs I have, but I'm a Yoga freak! I did his Yoga program for almost the whole time because I wanted to follow the overall format as close as possible but I'll never do Yoga X again. :)
The strength programs are very well done and have a lot of interesting variations on pushups that I've never seen before. Some interesting pullups also (something called "corn cobs" which are really hard to describe without seeing them).
The legs and back program was also extremely interesting w/ interesting variations on lunges. He does some wall squats, w/ two legs and also one.
The plyometrics program is extremely difficult and I think is probably not smart for a lot of people because it's pretty high impact. With my back I definitely lowered the impact a lot by doing modifications.
Probably the most interesting program is the "Core Synergistics" program which is a functional training type program.
The Kenpo program overall is very well done, though the beginning stretches are awful, a sure way to get hurt for people who don't have experience w/ exercise and try to follow it verbatim. I don't know what he was thinking with those stretches, but the actual kickboxing part is good.
Cardio X is a good bootcamp style workout which mixes, Yoga, Core stuff, Kickboxing and some easier Plyo stuff.
Overall, I have to give Tony Horton a lot of credit, he's an extremely creative developer of programs. Since doing P90X I have bought several of his other programs because I liked his creativity and he's a pretty funny guy as well which makes the programs bearable.
Regarding Yoga, it definitely has been the single best thing I've ever done for my back. I have had real issues w/ my back since I was in middle school which were further exacerbated by a car wreck I was in about 13 years ago. I do some Yoga every day regardless of what other workouts I'm doing. I got my chiropractor totally into Yoga by the way. I gave him some programs and he loves it (he's an ex-college quarterback and still has aches and pains from those days)!
If I was forced at gunpoint to pick one form of exercise to do I'd pick Yoga hands down, because the more vigorous forms (offshoots of Ashtanga Yoga) give you a lot of functional strength along w/ flexibility.
If I had to pick one Yoga teacher to recommend getting video/dvd program of it would be Baron Baptiste. He used to be the peak performance specialist for the NFL's Philidelphia Eagles, so he's not just some flaky Yoga guy but a person who really embraces the athletic aspects of Yoga.
He's the son of a fitness (and Yoga pioneer and a Mr. America winner back in the pre-steroid days) Walt Baptiste. Walt was admired by guys like Frank Zane (who used to do a lot of Yoga in the day).
Anyway, he has programs called "Journey Into Power" levels 1 and 2. Level 1 is moderate, level 2 is definitely a bit harder and longer. Both are worth getting if you want to try it. His dvds feel like you're in a class with him and he really stresses "playing your edge". Knowing what I know now, it's working into the various poses before the point where you'd trigger the muscle spindles/Myotatic reflex.
I hardly know how to respond to your great post! So very grateful you were not permanently injured in that horrible accident! Kudos to your wife, as well.
Scott, if and when you have time, will you please put some of the info you enjoy most (as well as links) on the exercise thread? I think this information would be absolutely invaluable, and would also open up great new conversations. I am intrigued by the medicine ball routine.
I am, personally, more geared towards the very deconditioned and middle-aged to elderly, but I picked up a new young client yesterday (26 -- runner) (she was having quad problems and didn't know it...'til I showed her what was wrong and she was very excited about the possiblities.
Like you, I want to train people in their homes (although that's a bit more dangerous for women). I'm starting on the net -- training people virtually through the week, then meeting with them one day a week in their homes to fine tune.
First congrats on helping that client w/ the quad issue, that must've felt fantastic to be able to help her! That's what this is all about!!!!
I'll be happy to list some of the programs that I feel have been helpful. I've really learned a lot both from books as well as the many DVD programs I have (I have so many that it's almost embarrasing, well over 100 if you count all my Yoga and Pilates DVD's plus all the Tony Horton, Gunnar Peterson, other various programs and now the Mitch Gaylord Medicine Ball program called "Melt It Off". Silly title but a very solid program. I've done all four of the workouts and two of them were VERY challenging, lots of functional type stuff mixed w/ cardio, a sweat bath! :)).
I can also understand your concerns about being a female training folks in their homes. Perhaps you could specialize specifically in only training women in that context if you decide to do that. Also, you could really limit the area you would be willing to travel in, an area where at least from the outset you'd feel safe.
When I first moved to Nashville, I was advertising for lessons and a guy called who was interested. When I drove to the area he lived I didn't feel completely safe in the area (Plus it was a REALLY far drive) so I turned around and came back home and told him he'd have to come to me for lessons. He couldn't work that out.
I was new to the area and didn't realize just how far it was or I never would have even offered to drive there in the first place (which is what I told him after I realized what a trip it was). These days I teach all my piano lessons at my house.
For the personal training, my intention is not to travel very far. I won't train at my home because my wife doesn't want even MORE people coming into the house, she needs some privacy which I totally understand. :)
hey Scott I just bought Core Power, The Trainers Edge, Journey into Power 1, Unlocking Athletic Power-Power Vinyasa Yoga all by Baron Baptiste as well as some additional reading "Science and Practice of Strength Training, Second Edition"by Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky this comes highly recommended
lol I should get discounts just for how many books and DVD's that I buy from Amazon thanks for the recommendations I can't wait to check out Journey into Power
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If a person wants something that they have never had, they have to do something that they have never done. - Shawn Fears, CPT
hey Scott I just bought Core Power, The Trainers Edge, Journey into Power 1, Unlocking Athletic Power-Power Vinyasa Yoga all by Baron Baptiste as well as some additional reading "Science and Practice of Strength Training, Second Edition"by Vladimir M. Zatsiorsky this comes highly recommended
lol I should get discounts just for how many books and DVD's that I buy from Amazon thanks for the recommendations I can't wait to check out Journey into Power
Hi Shawn,
I don't have "The Trainers Edge" (I believe I'll have to pick that up at some point, it's probably one of the few I don't have:)), but I do have all the others and they are all great!
Unlocking Athletic Power is especially great for working the lower body using dynamic flexibility. Core Power is just what it sounds like, he actually does some pretty traditional ab stuff as well in it along w/ Yoga stuff.
Journey into Power 1 is a great overall introductory, but still very effective and flowing Power Yoga program and not overly long but gets the job done.
I think you'll enjoy Baron because he's very down to earth and business like (also doesn't try to get people to do "cirque de soleil" stuff, all very doable and he shows modifications).
Also, all those programs I mentioned are taped live classes so you really feel like part of the class.
That strength training book sounds VERY interesting! I just got the Douglas Brooks "Effective Strength Training" which I have yet to read (I'm so focused on the exam prep I'm not straying terribly far from it, though I am reading Brooks "Program Design..." book, but that has mostly stuff like the ACE manual).
Let me know how you like those programs when you get them! :)
Scott, You are in great shape! I am a Baron Baptiste follower as well. I've probably done the 60 minute Unlocking Core Power DVD ohhh- about 100 times over the last 5 years. Amazing effects from it! Yoga gives me not just physical strength and flexiblilty, but from it I've learned to meditate and that also brings clarity of mind and mental focus. It's all good! So glad that accident wasn't any worse, and maybe it's made you more keenly aware of safety, so it was on of your path for a reason...very yogic thinking, huh?
Scott, You are in great shape! I am a Baron Baptiste follower as well. I've probably done the 60 minute Unlocking Core Power DVD ohhh- about 100 times over the last 5 years. Amazing effects from it! Yoga gives me not just physical strength and flexiblilty, but from it I've learned to meditate and that also brings clarity of mind and mental focus. It's all good! So glad that accident wasn't any worse, and maybe it's made you more keenly aware of safety, so it was on of your path for a reason...very yogic thinking, huh?
Hi Vonnie,
Thanks for the kind words. I was really amazed (and surprised) at how well that P90X program could work for someone my age. It's not that I'm so old but I never thought I could actually have such positive results at 47 years old (I'm now 48). It really sparked an inner desire to want to share that it was possible with others.
Before I actually considered wanting to be a trainer I told a lot of people (who noticed my transformation) that it was doable if they really wanted to do it. Of course most folks don't want to actually go thru that sort of process (at home on their own w/dvds) but perhaps the right trainer could get them on the right track.
That's great to hear that you are a fan of Baron's, I have a ton of Yoga dvd's and Baron's are my hands down favorites!
You are definitely right about my concerns for safety after that accident, it was pretty humbling and it definitely made me not take safety for granted!
