Every client I have worked with over the past 10+ years has had a different idea of what ‘fitness’ and ‘health’ looks like for them. For some fitness is to be able to run a half marathon, or to compete in a CrossFit competition. For others, it is to be pain free, or to have a straighter back. And of course, for some, it is to get their weight down (or even up!).
Whatever that goal or ‘picture’ is, the journey to achieving it must begin with movement and posture screening. This is a compulsory part of the journey for my clients; it is a non-negotiable step in the programming process as it is allows me to design the safest most effective strategy for achieving a fitness goal while staying injury free and supporting the body’s natural optimal posture.
From the client’s perspective, the screening is a very simple process and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. It is based on natural human movements such as squat, lunge, push, pull bend and gait. I may also look at static posture in various positions and request some movements be advanced or regressed.
Screening is not about pointing out faults and problems to upset the client, but about setting a baseline we can progress from.
Over the years I have dedicated my time to learning as much about functional biomechanics and human anatomy as possible; some of my certifications include:
- Certificate 3- Fitness Instructor
- Certificate 4- Personal Trainer
- Thump Boxing Instructor
- CHEK Exercise Coach
Corrective and functional exercise program design and postural assessment - CHEK Practitioner Level 1
Advanced biomechanical and musculoskeletal assessment, corrective exercise program design and active lifestyle
coaching. - PTA Global Exercise and Stress Management
Holistic lifestyle and wellbeing coaching, advanced functional anatomy and program design - PTA Global Bridging Course for FitPros
Up to date evidence-based and advanced coaching techniques for fitness professionals including motivational interviewing - OD (Ian O’Dwyer) on Movement
Tools of the Trade: PowerPlate Vibration, mobilisers, active stretches, myofascial release, advanced individualised programming, functional anatomy and movement - Myofascial Release
Professional Development for Personal Trainers (PD for PTs)- Self-myofascial release techniques - EBFA Fitness Barefoot Training Specialist
Functional biomechanics of the foot and ankle and evidence-based exercise program design - ViPR Trainer
Functional exercise program design
I also have a Degree in Food and Nutrition science which provided me a vast understanding of human anatomy and physiology. I employ a range of techniques and styles in my programming, in consultation with the likes, dislikes and bio-mechanical needs of each individual client.