Elevate Your Fitness Journey: The Impact of Private Training Sessions

Embarking on a fitness journey can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you're aiming to shed a few pounds, gain muscle, or simply improve your overall health, having the right guidance and support can make all the difference. While group fitness classes and DIY workout routines have their merits, there's something uniquely transformative about working with a private trainer.

In this post, we'll delve into the unparalleled benefits of one-on-one training sessions and how they can elevate your fitness journey to new heights.

Personalized Attention

One of the most significant advantages of private training is the undivided attention you receive from your trainer. Unlike crowded gym classes where the instructor's focus is divided among multiple participants, private sessions are tailored exclusively to your goals, fitness level, and limitations. Your trainer can design a personalized workout regimen that targets your specific needs, ensuring maximum effectiveness and safety.

Accountability and Motivation

Staying motivated is often a struggle for many individuals on their fitness journey. With private training, you have a dedicated accountability partner by your side every step of the way. Your trainer not only holds you accountable for showing up to your sessions but also motivates and encourages you to push past your limits and stay committed to your goals. This level of support can be invaluable, especially during those moments when self-doubt creeps in.

Form Correction and Injury Prevention

Proper form is crucial for achieving optimal results while minimizing the risk of injury. Unfortunately, many people perform exercises incorrectly, unknowingly putting themselves at risk. A private trainer provides expert guidance on proper technique, ensuring that you perform each exercise safely and effectively. They can also identify any imbalances or weaknesses in your movement patterns and prescribe corrective exercises to address them, reducing the likelihood of injury.

Goal Setting and Progress Tracking

Setting realistic and achievable goals is essential for staying on track and measuring progress. Your private trainer will work with you to establish clear objectives based on your aspirations and timeline. They will then develop a strategic plan to help you reach those goals, adjusting it as needed along the way. By regularly tracking your progress and celebrating your accomplishments, you'll stay motivated and inspired to continue pushing forward.

Flexibility and Convenience

Life can be hectic, and finding time to prioritize fitness can be challenging. Private training offers the flexibility to schedule sessions at times that are convenient for you, whether it's early mornings, evenings, or weekends. Additionally, many trainers offer the option of training either in-person or virtually, providing even greater flexibility to accommodate your busy lifestyle.

Embarking on a fitness journey is a significant investment in your health and well-being. While there are countless paths you can take to achieve your goals, private training stands out as a highly effective and personalized approach. With the guidance, support, and expertise of a private trainer, you can unlock your full potential and transform your fitness journey into a rewarding and empowering experience.

Ready to take your fitness to the next level? Click here to book a 15min onboarding call or learn more about our private training services and start your journey towards a healthier, stronger you.

We Don’t Use These Gym Cues Anymore—Here’s Why!

In the world of fitness, certain cues and phrases have become ingrained in our minds over time. They've been passed down from coach to coach, from gym to gym, becoming gospel for many. But what if I told you that some of these cues might not be as effective as we once thought?

At Avos Strength, we've started to challenge the old ways of thinking when it comes to coaching movements and exercises. We believe that questioning these common cues is essential for helping our clients achieve optimal performance and prevent injury.

Let's take a closer look at some of these cues and why we've started to reconsider them:

1. "Squeeze the glutes." While this cue is meant to activate the glutes, it can often lead to pelvic dumping and improper alignment. Instead, we encourage our clients to focus on pushing through the medial arch of the foot, which helps engage the glutes while maintaining proper pelvic position.

2. "Squeeze your shoulder blades together." This cue, commonly used during back exercises like rows, can create unnecessary compression between the T5-7 area of the spine. Instead, we cue our clients to lead with the elbow, which promotes optimal glenohumeral rhythm (shoulder blade movement) and reduces the risk of over-compression in the upper back.

3. "Squeeze/brace your abs." While activating the core is important for stability, simply squeezing/bracing down on the abs can lead to an over-reliance on the rectus abdominis and neglect other core muscles. Instead, we teach our clients to brace the core by maintaining a neutral pelvis and using a full exhale to engage the deep core muscles, such as the transverse abdominis and obliques.

By questioning these common cues and adopting a more nuanced approach to coaching, we've seen incredible results with our clients. They move more efficiently, reduce their risk of injury, and achieve their fitness goals more effectively.

So, if you've been told these cues in the past or are currently using them as a coach, we encourage you to ask yourself why. Is there a better way to cue the movement? Is there a more effective way to help your clients achieve their goals? By challenging old paradigms and embracing new perspectives, we can continue to evolve and improve the fitness industry for the benefit of both coaches and clients alike.

Strengthening Bonds and Bodies: The Power of Corporate Group Training for Team Building

In today's fast-paced corporate world, where deadlines loom large and stress levels soar, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among employees is crucial for success. As companies strive to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction, innovative approaches to team building are gaining traction. One such approach that has been gaining popularity is corporate group training, where colleagues come together to sweat it out and strengthen not only their bodies but also their bonds.

Fitness has long been recognized for its ability to improve physical health and well-being. However, its impact extends far beyond the confines of the gym. When incorporated into a corporate setting, group training sessions offer a unique opportunity for employees to connect, collaborate, and communicate outside the usual office environment. Here's how corporate group training contributes to team building:

1. Shared Goals and Achievements: In a group training session, employees work towards a common goal – whether it's completing a challenging workout, achieving a personal best, or simply pushing through mental barriers. Sharing these experiences creates a sense of unity and fosters a team spirit where everyone celebrates each other's successes.

2. Breaking Down Hierarchies: In the gym, titles and job descriptions take a back seat to sweat and effort. Group training sessions provide a level playing field where employees of all levels can interact on a more personal level. This helps break down hierarchical barriers, fostering open communication and collaboration across departments and teams.

3. Building Trust and Support: Group workouts often involve partner exercises or team challenges that require trust and cooperation. When colleagues rely on each other to complete a workout or reach a fitness goal, bonds of trust are strengthened. This trust transcends the gym and carries over into the workplace, where colleagues feel more supported and connected to one another.

4. Stress Reduction and Improved Morale: Exercise is a proven stress reliever, releasing endorphins that boost mood and energy levels. By incorporating regular group training sessions into the workweek, companies can help employees manage stress more effectively, leading to improved morale and a more positive work environment.

5. Healthy Competition: While teamwork is essential, a bit of friendly competition can also be beneficial. Group training sessions often incorporate elements of friendly competition, such as team challenges or friendly races. This healthy competition encourages employees to push themselves further while also fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

6. Promoting Work-Life Balance: Encouraging employees to prioritize their health and fitness sends a powerful message about the company's commitment to employee well-being. By providing opportunities for group training during work hours or offering fitness incentives, companies demonstrate their support for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

7. Enhanced Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for successful teamwork. Group training sessions provide a non-traditional setting for colleagues to interact, communicate, and problem-solve together. Whether it's coordinating movements during a group exercise or offering encouragement to a struggling teammate, employees have the opportunity to hone their communication skills in a supportive environment.

In conclusion, corporate group training offers far more than just physical benefits – it's a powerful tool for fostering teamwork, building relationships, and creating a positive work culture. By investing in the health and well-being of their employees through group fitness initiatives, companies can reap the rewards of a stronger, more cohesive team ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way. So, let's lace up our sneakers, break a sweat, and build stronger teams, one workout at a time.

Understanding Your Body: The Role of a Kinesiologist in Personal Fitness

Embarking on a fitness journey is a commendable decision that can positively impact various aspects of your life. Whether you're aiming to shed a few pounds, build muscle, or enhance overall well-being, understanding your body is a crucial first step. In this pursuit, a key ally can be found in the expertise of a kinesiologist. In this blog post, we will delve into the pivotal role a kinesiologist plays in personal fitness, shedding light on the science behind movement and the benefits of seeking professional guidance.

Understanding Kinesiology:

Kinesiology is the study of human movement, encompassing anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and neuroscience. A kinesiologist is a specialist in this field, possessing a deep understanding of how the body moves and functions. Their knowledge extends beyond mere exercise routines, focusing on the science behind movement patterns, muscle function, and the intricate interplay between various physiological systems.

Assessment and Individualized Programs:

One of the primary roles of a kinesiologist is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of an individual's physical condition. This may involve evaluating posture, flexibility, strength, and identifying any imbalances or limitations. Through these assessments, a kinesiologist gains valuable insights into a person's unique physiological profile, allowing them to create personalized fitness programs tailored to specific needs and goals.

Preventing and Rehabilitating Injuries:

Understanding the body's mechanics enables kinesiologists to identify potential areas of vulnerability and design exercise regimens that minimize the risk of injuries. Moreover, for individuals recovering from injuries, a kinesiologist plays a crucial role in rehabilitation by implementing targeted exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and functionality. This personalized approach aids in a faster and more effective recovery, reducing the likelihood of recurring injuries.

Enhancing Performance:

Whether you're an athlete seeking to improve performance or an individual aiming for optimal fitness, a kinesiologist can be a game-changer. By analyzing movement patterns and biomechanics, they can fine-tune training programs to maximize efficiency and boost overall performance. This not only helps in achieving fitness goals but also enhances the enjoyment and sustainability of the exercise routine.

Educating and Empowering Clients:

In addition to designing exercise programs, kinesiologists play a vital role in educating clients about the importance of proper movement and the impact of physical activity on overall health. Armed with this knowledge, individuals are empowered to make informed choices about their fitness journey, fostering a long-term commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

In the realm of personal fitness, the guidance of a kinesiologist can be a transformative force. Their expertise in understanding the intricacies of the human body goes beyond traditional fitness training, providing a holistic approach to health and well-being. By working with a kinesiologist, individuals can unlock their body's full potential, reduce the risk of injuries, and embark on a journey towards sustainable, lifelong fitness. So, if you're looking to truly understand your body and optimize your fitness experience, consider the invaluable partnership with a kinesiologist – the key to unlocking the full potential of your physical well-being. Contact Avos Strength today to book a Free on boarding call to discuss how we can help you reach your goals.

Why Your Mobility and Stretching is Not Working

Unlocking True Mobility: The Power of Relaxation Over Force

In the world of fitness, the pursuit of improved mobility often takes a backseat to the prevailing belief of "harder, faster, stronger." Unfortunately, this mindset can lead individuals to overlook a crucial aspect of mobility training – the difference between forcing the body into a stretch and the transformative power of progressive relaxation. In this blog post, we'll delve into why your mobility training might not be working and explore the misconception that more effort always yields better results.

The Misconception of "More Effort = Better Results":

1. Fight or Flight vs. Rest and Digest:

One of the primary reasons more effort doesn't always translate to better mobility is the impact on the nervous system. More effort tends to activate the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the "fight or flight" response. When our nervous system perceives a threat, it tightens muscles and restricts movement, hindering the very progress we aim to achieve in mobility training.

2. Creating a Safe Environment:

Mobility work involves repositioning drills and stretching exercises to reach new ranges of motion. However, if the body interprets these positions as threatening, progress becomes stunted. For lasting improvement, it's crucial to create an environment where the body feels safe and secure, encouraging the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system – the "rest and digest" state.

The Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System:

1. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS):

• Activated during stress or perceived threats.

• Triggers the "fight or flight" response.

• Can inhibit mobility gains due to heightened muscle tension and restricted movement.

2. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS):

• Activated during relaxation and rest.

• Promotes the "rest and digest" response.

• Facilitates improved mobility by reducing muscle tension and allowing for greater flexibility.
  

The Role of Controlled Respiration (Breathing):

1. Breath and Parasympathetic Activation:

• Controlled breathing is a powerful tool to shift the body into the parasympathetic nervous system.

• If you can't breathe comfortably in a position, you likely don't own it, and your body may interpret it as a stressor.

2. The Importance of Feeling Safe:

• A relaxed state during mobility drills signals safety to the nervous system, allowing for greater adaptability and long-term improvement.

“I felt great for a few hours after my massage and then it went right back to what it was before”

- says almost everyone

The Missing Link: Training After Mobility Work

While mobility drills and breathing exercises are critical to unlocking new ranges of motion, there's a common mistake many people make – they stop there. Whether it's after a massage, physio, or chiropractic session, too often people experience temporary relief, only to have their body revert back within hours or days. Why? Because the nervous system hasn't been taught what to do with that new range of motion.

In order to retain and solidify the mobility gains you've just achieved, it's essential to follow up with training or neural stimulation. Your body needs to experience controlled movement in this new range so that it can "remember" and integrate it into your movement patterns.

Why Training Is Key:

When you mobilize, you're creating new possibilities for movement. But without reinforcing it through strength training or neuromuscular engagement, your nervous system doesn't fully integrate these gains. This often leads the body to revert to its previous, more limited movement patterns. By training after mobility work, you’re helping your body understand and use this new range of motion effectively, preventing the regression that so many experience.

Think of it this way: Mobility gives you the access to more range, and training teaches your body how to control and own that new range. To retain and sustain long-term mobility, it's crucial to follow the process of mobilize, then train.

Recap: The One - Two Punch

The key takeaway from the misconception of "more effort, better results" in mobility training is the importance of relaxation over force. However, once you've created a safe and relaxed environment for mobility, the next step is to train or engage in some form of neural stimulus to lock in that newfound range. By understanding the role of the nervous system and the value of progressive relaxation followed by structured movement, you unlock not just short-term gains but sustainable, long-term flexibility and functional movement.

Embrace the power of relaxation, and remember – mobilize, then train for lasting results.

For Free mobility videos click here or to book in a Free Onboarding Call click here.

Exploring the Advantages of Hybrid Training

Are you seeking a fitness program that caters to your unique needs, fits your budget, and accommodates your busy schedule? If so, hybrid training might be the solution you've been looking for. In this blog post, we'll explore what hybrid training is and the numerous benefits it offers to individuals of all fitness levels.

What is Hybrid Training?

Hybrid training is a dynamic and versatile fitness approach that combines the best elements of various training methods, offering a customized and comprehensive experience. Whether you're on a budget, have time constraints, or prefer a blend of training options, hybrid training can be tailored to your specific requirements.

The Benefits of Hybrid Training:

1. Tailored to Your Budget: One of the most significant advantages of hybrid training is its flexibility in terms of cost. If 1-on-1 or group training sessions are beyond your budget, hybrid training can provide a more cost-effective alternative without compromising on the quality of your training program.

2. Customized Programming: Hybrid training typically begins with an initial assessment. This assessment is crucial as it helps design a training plan that aligns with your fitness goals, weaknesses, skill level, and the equipment available to you. You'll receive a personalized program that ensures you're working on the right exercises to achieve your objectives.

3. Private Training Sessions: Hybrid training also includes private training sessions, usually ranging from 1 to 4 per month. These sessions offer a unique opportunity to strengthen the coach-athlete relationship, receive individualized guidance, and make necessary adjustments to your training program as you progress.

4. Program Check-Ins: Staying on the right track is vital in any fitness journey. Hybrid training incorporates program check-ins to ensure you're performing exercises correctly and making steady progress. This added layer of accountability can be a game-changer in reaching your fitness goals.

5. Versatility for Diverse Goals: Whether you aim to lose body fat, build muscle, improve athletic performance, or enhance your overall fitness, hybrid training can be adapted to your specific goals. It's a versatile approach that accommodates a wide range of fitness objectives.

6. Accessible to All Fitness Levels: Hybrid training is inclusive and accessible to individuals of all fitness levels and ages. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, the program can be designed to meet your needs and help you reach your full potential.

Hybrid training provides a well-rounded and personalized fitness experience. It's an excellent option for those seeking tailored training without breaking the bank. With a focus on customization, private training sessions, program check-ins, and adaptability, it offers a comprehensive solution for anyone looking to unlock their full potential in the realm of fitness.

If you're ready to embark on a fitness journey that aligns with your unique needs and goals, hybrid training may be the key to your success. Experience the benefits for yourself and take your fitness to the next level with this versatile approach.