Fitness Personified Ltd.
Personal Fitness Training
Fitness Personified Newsletter from the IDEA Personal Trainer Institute 2012 in Alexandria, VA
Conference Overview
Karin comments:
As with the many IDEA conferences I attended before, this one provided interesting sessions by world class presenters. I returned home with food for thought, 12 foam rollers, 1 BOSU (already spoken for) and 2 Lebert Equalizer bars.
As is always the case at IDEA conferences, it is an opportunity to renew acquaintances, to network and to exchange ideas with other trainers. It was fun to contrast this conference to IDEA World Fitness which is larger in scope and attendance and also focuses on group exercise. The dynamic of the (mostly) younger instructors makes IDEA World Fitness noisier, and the large international attendance has always been fun for me. But I also appreciated the lower key of the Personal Trainer Institute. It felt like a conference for the grown-ups J
The thing that struck me this time was the increased focus on stress reduction strategies which were discussed in several sessions I took. Of course, there is MELT with its application to quiet the stress reflex. But I also learned about the correlation of breathing and potential weight loss and nutrition consideration to reduce inflammation. The nervous system is beginning to be a more prominent player in the fitness consciousness, and the central role of the enteric nervous system (of the gut) is included in the discussion. Funny that I just finished reading an entire book about the enteric nervous system! It made comprehension of those concepts so much easier. Now I need to digest the information without letting myself get stressed about it J
Rufus’ comments:
I echo many of Karin’s comments. When we started attending fitness conferences in 1995, we attended two per year:
· The one we just attended, The Personal Training Institute, is held on the east coast.
· Also we attended the World Fitness Convention, held on the west coast.
About eight years ago, we decided to attend only the conference on the west coast. From a personal training perspective, the educational contents are about the same. However, they are quite different conferences. Karin indicated some of those differences. I will add a couple more.
1. World Fitness Convention:
· You have a big ‘Kickoff Extravaganza’. Celebrities, loud music, motivational speakers, Elaine LeLanne (Jack LeLanne’s 85+ year old wife) doing pushups on stage. You name it, it’s happening.
· You start your day at 6:30AM with a fitness class. You are rushing to get a muffin, bagel, coffee, or whatever, and get to class.
· And then there is the ‘Big Party’. Loud music, dancing into the night. Regretting it the next morning.
· Attendance: 5K+, average age: approximately 23.
2. Personal Training Institute
· No kickoff meeting
· You start your day at 9:15AM. THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY! No early fitness class.
· Instead of a party, there is a social networking function from 6:30-7:30PM.
· Attendance: 2K+. average age: 40+
· Strictly business, no flair.
But, bottom line, you are there to acquire knowledge. Therefore, you achieve your goal.
In July, we will be attending The World Fitness Convention in San Diego, CA
Following are the descriptions of the session we attended and our comments. The descriptions of the sessions were taken verbatim from the session selection brochure provided by the conference presenters:
Friday
Unlocking the Power of the Psoas: Workshop presented by:Sue Hitzman, MS
Attended by Karin & Rufus
The psoas is more than just a hip flexor. The psoas is an integral part of our rooted core, the neurofascial system that controls our ability to be grounded and stable over a lifetime. Learn how a functional rooted core system creates less risk of injury and more efficient movement patterns. Whether your client is an elite athlete or a more sedentary adult, the techniques taught in this session will help them become more efficient, grounded and stable, increasing the effectiveness of their workouts.
Karin’s comments: Sue is an amazing researcher and continues to challenge herself to go into greater depth of knowledge. Even though I have taken every course she teaches, there was information in this session that I did not know in that much detail. While it will not change the MELT techniques that I have already used for more than 2 years, it provided more background information on the functioning of the psoas
Rufus’ comments: Very good session. This was my first time taking this type of session with Sue. I was really impressed with her. You will hear new terms from me, such as, joint hydration, low back decompression, shoulder blade rinsing, etc. Yes, you will get an opportunity to experience some of these new techniques. I had no idea the psoas impacted so many things. You will get your psoas energized!
Cashing in on Corrective Exercise (Full): Lecture presented by: Mary Bratcher, MA and Justin Price, MA: Attended by Rufus
Current industry trend reports indicate that trainers who are proficient in the area of corrective exercise are in greater demand than ever before. This business–oriented session is ideal for those who want to implement corrective exercise strategies and programs, but aren't sure where to begin. Trainers who are uniquely qualified to work with the increasing number of people who are seeking relief from muscle and joint pain are in a position to reap the financial rewards associated with corrective exercise programming.
Rufus’ comments: I always enjoy Justin’s session. Because of his Canadian ascent, you have to give him your undivided attention. In addition to attending his conference sessions, I am fortunate enough to be on his distribution list. Therefore, I receive updates of new research about corrective exercises.
NASM: Adult Obesity—The Complete Solution: Tanya Colucci, MS: Attended by Karin
This presentation will teach attendees to use a balanced approach to total health and wellbeing when working with overweight adults. This unique, research-based, integrated curriculum provides students the opportunity to discover unconventional methods for reaching the goal of empowered wellness. The program incorporates nutrition, cardiovascular training, strength training, flexibility/yoga, contemplation/meditation and intellectual stimulation. During this interactive presentation, creative workouts and wellness class formats will be discussed.
Karin’s comments: What intrigued me about this session was the statement about breathing techniques and metabolism in the context of weight loss. I have contacted the presenter to get more information or links to research
TPPT: SMRTCORE ™ Myofascial Total-Body Training WS: Jamie Howell, MS, and Cassidy Phillips: Attended by Karin
Are you ready to try a revolutionary approach that will improve your clients’ biomechanical function while strengthening the entire body? SMRT-CORE will do just that! This unique format uses an integrated, inhibitory, strength training process to address myofascial slings, lines and muscular movement patterns for the purpose of creating structural integrity. Erase your mental imprint of foam rolling and join the SMRT-CORE revolution!
Karin’s comments: I will do no such thing as erasing my mental imprint of foam rollers, most certainly not those used for the MELT technique. While the presenter threw the words ‘fascia’ and ‘myofascial lines’ around with abundance, I found little that conformed to my understanding of the subject. In all modesty, at this point in time, I can hold my ground on all things fascia. They use a very hard roll about a foot in length. By the time the session was over, I felt like I had been beaten by a baseball bat. In fact, it felt uncomfortable for quite a few days later
Pre & Post-Workout Foods & Fluids: Lecture presented by: Gatorade Sports Science Institute: Attended by Rufus
Get the most out of your workouts with the right foods and fluids at the right time. Starting off exercise in a dehydrated condition reduces your ability to exercise at your best. It’s important to get adequate fluids before, during and after your workouts.
Rufus’ comments: Even though the title of this session was interesting, my main motivation for attending was a free lunch. Just kidding. Interesting discussion. You will hear more.
Dietary Supplements-The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Lecture presented by: Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD: Attended by Rufus
With over 29,000 dietary supplements available, your clients can easily be confused. What should they take? Are they safe? Are they effective? Who do they trust? This session will talk about the exact strategies you need to help guide your clients and make decisions simple!
Rufus’ comments: Very educational session. It motivated me to learn more about supplements, and nutrition in general. In the near future, you will hear me discuss this in more detail.
Creating a Strong, Stable Shoulder (Full): Workshop presented by: Sue Hitzman, MS: Attended by Karin & Rufus
The shoulder is the most mobile—and the most unstable—joint in the body. As a result, shoulder injuries and chronic upper–body pain are common among those who engage in elite athletics and recreational fitness activities. When the shoulder is unstable, traditional shoulder exercises can create further instability and increase the risk of injury. In this session, we will delve into MELT® length and strength neurofascial techniques to improve shoulder stability before applying traditional strengthening exercises.
Karin’s comments: This was just a review for me because all of this had been covered in the MELT Length and Strength courses that I had taken.
Rufus’ comments: Very good session. Learned a lot. You will have an opportunity to benefit from my newly acquired knowledge. But one thing I need to clarify. Although I have taken these two MELT sessions, that does not make me a MELTer. I will utilize some of the techniques. But Karin is the resident MELT expert. Therefore, if you need to be MELTed, schedule a session with her.
Saturday
Muscle Synergy WS: Peter Twist, MSc: Attended by Karin
Capture the elasticity, pliability and potential energy stored in the myofascial network. Learn about myofascial lines, their location and the role they play in muscle activation. See how precise sequencing of movement from the ground up simultaneously builds body control and forces development. Your workouts will never be the same when you employ these proven practical strategies that maximize the development of strength and explosive power.
Karin’s comments: Peter Twist is quite an exceptional trainer who works with Olympic athletes. His sessions are always fascinating even though not often applicable to the clients who I train. I had a gripe about his use of the ‘myofascial network’ which was a word thrown in copiously but his presentation would have been just the same without it. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it as a fun session for myself.
Gray Institute: 3-D Flexibility—Techniques That Make Functional Sense!
Workshop presented by: Doug Gray: Attended by Rufus
According to the principles and strategies of Gray's Applied Functional Science™, there is a dramatic difference between traditional stretching and functional stretching. We will explain what is meant by functional flexibility as it is applied to Chain Reaction™ biomechanics. In this session, not only will you learn how to stretch all the major muscle groups, but also why it is imperative to stretch in all three planes of motion. Join us as we transform traditional stretching into an art form your clients will benefit from and enjoy!
Rufus’ comments: I always learn something when attending sessions conducted by the Gray Institute. But normally the presenter is Gary Gray, President of the institute. However, his son Doug presented this session. Very good session. Learned some new techniques. You will have an opportunity to be exposed to ‘3-D Flexibility”
Advances in Balance Training: Lecture presented by: Evan Osar, DC: Attended by Rufus
Whether you train clients with poor balance, those recovering from an injury or those who simply want to improve their performance, all clients need to have good balance. While methods can be argued, one fact remains paramount.
Rufus’ comments: Interesting, but nothing new.
Anatomy and Architecture—Fascia, Function and Physics: Joe DeAntonis, MS
Attended by Rufus
Understanding your clients’ anatomic structure is imperative to keeping them healthy and progressing. In this session, we’ll discuss the architecture of the human body and the way it adapts to force. Also, see how fascia is an integral part of joint stability and muscle function, how bony protuberances can affect muscle mechanics, and why understanding the shape of the joint is imperative to understanding joint function.
Karin’s comments: I had not felt well and decided to skip this session. After listening to Rufus’ account of it, I had the feeling that I had not missed all that much.
Rufus’ comments: A waste of time. The presenter spent too much time trying to discredit different philosophies. His attitude came across as being ‘my way or the highway’.
Sunday
CHEK Institute: Flatten Your Abs Forever (Full): Lecture presented by: Dan Hellman, PT: Attended by Karin & Rufus
Everyone dreams of flat abs, but all too often we see little or no result from exercise or dieting. Get the scoop on why your exercise program may not be producing the results it should. Learn the common problems that prevent people from achieving flat abs, including ineffective exercise programming, poor nutritional habits, hormonal imbalance, gastrointestinal disorders and much more. Understand what to look for when assessing your clients and how multidisciplinary programs can really work to condition and flatten the abs
Karin’s comments: This was a session that provided a lot of food for thought. It really focused entirely at nutrition and the effect that inflammation of the GI tract has on that bloated sensation that many people have (and thus nor having ‘flat abs’). The presenter made a very strong case for organic food and reminded me very much of the message of Michael Pollan’s book ‘In Defense of Food’
Rufus’ comments: Very good session. As soon as I returned home, I began putting together a revised nutritional plan. I am in the process of learning more about nutrition. This will allow me to have more in-depth discussion with you.
TPPT: Foot and Lower-Leg Myofascial Matrix—The Hidden Treasure of Functional Training and Sports Performance: Workshop presented by: Cassidy Phillips, and Emily Splichal, DPM, MS, MPH: Attended by Rufus
Building a better base and a solid platform for human movement is paramount to achieving higher levels of performance. In this session, we will discuss the suspension of the lower leg and how myofascial compression techniques (MCT) can be used so that optimal movement of the foot and lower leg can occur. Understanding MCT includes the knowledge of the muscles in the lower leg and their association with the matrix of muscles, bones, joints and fascia. Addressing these areas allows you to free the foot for proper muscle activation and allows the optimization of the eccentric force of the rear foot for improved speed, agility and quickness.
Rufus’ comments: Good session, but nothing new.
FAI: The New Impingement—Clarifying the Myths: Chris Gellert, PT
Attended by Karin
Our bodies are meant to move. Too much or too little leads to dysfunction, pain and difficulty with simple functional activities. The prevalence of arthritis involving the hip is increasing each year; however, a new dysfunction of the hip is on the block. The latest research and management strategy for this problem has been talked about at length in the medical field and in various journals. Learn more about femoral-acetabular impingement (FAI) and related exercise programming so you can get better results for your clients.
Karin’s comments: I had signed up for this session in a case of mistaken identity but found it very informative. I do not believe that I have a client suffering from this condition. The thing that struck me was the large gray area that exists between physical therapy and personal training.