Dealer’s Choice

Happy Thirsty Thursday everyone! As some of you likely know without a doubt one of the biggest sources of frustration for a trainer or coach is client compliance. If you don’t have this AT ALL please share with the rest of us, we’re dying to know what that skeleton key looks like. Anywho, we’ve all been there, and as most of us know, you can right the most perfect program in the world, but if they client isn’t doing it, it’s not so perfect. 👎⁣
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Let me ask you this, which of these loading variations is the best to get a training effect? Answer: The one the client likes. Yeah, you’re welcome.⁣
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One thing I have found that’s had a big impact on my client compliance is giving them choice. Take this for example, one of the favorite weeks at Strength Camp on Friday mornings is the choose your own adventure type of week (this Friday kids). I give everyone in attendance their movement pattern pairings, give them a selection of exercises from those movement patterns, their sets & reps and off they go. 
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I find doing this with my clients programs is also a big thing for them, both when they’re in the studio with me, and on their own. Both the pictures above ⬆️ are valid ways to load things (example: squats and lunges) BUT if a client prefers one over the other, I won’t argue if gets them to do them. Even giving clients the choice of Bulgarian or regular split squats can be helpful. The reason is because people feel like they have an input and a say in their training. When a client feels apart of the process, they’re more likely to buy in to the program. The only reason that I won’t let a client pick their loading variation (bilateral, goblet or unilateral) is if I feel like they have an issue they’re dealing with (injury, condition, etc…) that will be better served by a particular loading variation. Also, if theirs something that we’re trying to emphasize in a program (grip strength, 💪 upper back activation) that might have a say on the loading style, but most of the type I’ll give them some freedom.⁣
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Next time you ponder how you wanna load a movement, it’s easy, whichever one the trainee like best. That's what's up for today, but before you go, I wanted to point you towards a great piece from Krista Scott-Dixon, great advice within this one. Hav a good day all!

I’d love to get started…