Physical Subculture

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We, as ‘freethinking’ flesh packets trying to get by with the least amount of work possible, are quite capable of setting limits on ourselves with imagination and glee, just to avoid any real work or discomfort. So I’m perpetually inspired by the growing handful of folks who step out of this routine, who realize that there are enough obstacles in life to overcome without adding self imposed ones. These are the clients and members of my gym who willingly approach each workout and attack it. And they’ll be here again in a day or two to do it once more. My job, and the job of any decent trainer or coach, is to provide the tools and ideas for empowerment, so folks can find inspiration, motivation and progression through us in themselves.

I came across someone’s interesting ideology today: Workshops are a poor medium, since, due to biomechanical differences, people needed to be taught at a one-on-one level. In other words, not everyone is capable of the same movements due to the individual differences in their bodies, and therefore workshops aren’t conducive to the proper learning experience.

On one hand I commend the desire to work so personally with everyone, but on the other, that’s a limiting generalization, an instant prejudice against human ability. According to this trainer, due to factors like lever length differences in individuals (longer limbs versus shorter), certain movements are not conducive with certain body types, or at least need to be monitored closely, closer than a workshop could allow.

This assumes several things. First, that certain movements are ‘bad’ or undesirable. The human body is a pretty amazing thing and has a capability of movement that often surpasses what we think we understand about it. In terms of general exercise, to paraphrase a familiar quotation, there are no stupid movements, just stupid people. It is dangerous practice of movements, not usually the movements themselves, that can lead to less than happy results.

A second assumption is that people can’t learn without strict expert personal supervision. This may be correct in many cases, but it is an assumption that hamstrings optimism in the passion of individuals. If folks chose to be at a workshop, I’d rather assume they WANT to learn and have to ability to learn without perpetual hand holding.

And the third assumption is that workshop instructors haven’t the skills to teach en masse. Perhaps, but what these assumptions scream to me is a fear of the person making them. ‘Twould behoove this trainer to accost this fear by actually TEACHING a workshop. Believing that people are so limited due to body type or whatever is embracing a very limited view of, well, everyone, before even meeting them.

It is up to us, as individuals, to achieve or succeed, but there are always places to gain support along the way. If ever we are in the blessed position of being in a supportive role of any kind, whether as teacher or mentor or simply friend, let us assume nothing but greatness for whoever we are about to help. What they prove from then on will be their choice, not ours. let’s not limit them from the get go through assumptions or judgments.

This could also be a good rule to apply to ourselves as well, by the way.

Alright, let’s lift…

Last Tuesday’s workout (see below) was a pleasant ass-kicker up until the Tabata drill at the end. The exercise selection was a brutal choice, so I’m going to suggest trying the Ring Fly-Outs (as we call them) on there own first, then pick something fun for the Tabata. One choice (another brutal one) are these trunk twist presses:

twists.mov

Max Bench.

Strict overhead. For reps. 4 sets of 6-8 reps. If you feel you have the flexibility and can keep your head and neck in good position, try two of the sest behind-the-head.

Narrow grip bench from pins or boards. 3 sets, 6 reps.

Ring fly-outs. Tabata style (20 sec. on, 10 sec. off for 4 minutes/8 rounds) On knees if necessary, but on feet if willing to face the pain.

Andy narow grip from pins.