Family Training - Part I

For whom are you a trainer?

I am a trainer for my son.

He is at the prime beginnings of motor development, motor control, and refine motor skills. He cannot lift weights or run. But, he can stretch, rotate, and lift limbs. His head plays the most vital role in all of his movements with neck control as another integral characteristic (by the way, do you exercise your neck? You should.)

More aptly, who do you train besides yourself? The question is out on which time of year boasts the most frequent time to meet people. Fall seems like a great time of year with summer and the holiday seasons as close rivals to meet and to interact with plenty of people. The race season kicks into gear with half-marathons, the NY Marathon, duathlons, and even convenient bicycling weather. So, who are you bringing along for the training, play, leisure, pleasure, and experience?

Sometimes, it is difficult to find a workout partner; but here are some pointers if you are an avid exerciser:

1) Get in your workout. Replenish yourself. Then, workout out again with someone who does not ordinarily exercise or who exercises less than you do. Remember: do not push the less experienced person to your level. Also, do not over exert yourself in your workout while getting in two workouts. Allow at least six hours between workouts if you choose to have multiple ones in the same day.

2) Go out to eat afterwards.

3) If a male is working out with another male, chilling during bro-time in the man-cave is a good way to cool down. If a female is working out with another female, shopping is good gal-time after a workout. For males or females who workout with the opposite gender, don't get creepy. Check up on your workout partner to make sure his or her muscles are feeling OK. Genuine times breed genuine conversations.

4) Have fun, laugh, follow-up. When you take on exercising, you become a leader among yourself, in your family, in your community, at work, etc.

Purpose and Development,
Derek

Derek Arledge, CSCS         TEEM Performance Training         www.teempt.com

Fitness Horticulture: Pregnancy Wars (Part II)

Have you ever seen a pregnant woman?
Have you ever seen a woman give...not appear pregnant...but GIVE birth?

Your thoughts change.
Part I

Those that have seen labor and delivery, and those that labor and deliver are different people and offer different thoughts. First, I am glad to be a male. Second, I am glad to cheer on my beloved female and wife, Chandace. I always had a high respect for pregnant woman, holding a body for weeks upon weeks. My biggest fear was seeing my wife in pain at labor. That thought though. Yes, that though quickly dissipated when I realized that my personal training and coaching experiences had to come into play. With so much support in the room, Chandace needed all of the support during her labor and delivery battle.

Her final gestation warpath (I was just thinking about the 0-3 Redskins in "warpath").

Who is your support in battles? In your wars? Is your body equipped for at least one major mentally and physically exhausting battle?

Pregnancy is both literal and figurative. A female shares both characteristics. A male can only experience the latter. But, whether literally or figuratively, how many repetitions and sets do you put into conquering your pregnancy wars? If you are not literally pregnant, then with what are you pregnant? Is it a battle to train for a race? Is it a battle to decrease high blood pressure or lower cholesterol? Is it a battle to gain better sleep (that is currently mine)?

Purpose and Development,
Derek

Derek Arledge, CSCS         TEEM Performance Training         www.teempt.com

Fitness Horticulture: Planting Your Seed (Part I)

At the beginning of every school season, I like to remind folks that it is a prime time to have schedules change. Shifts in life occur. Even tough it is not technically the fall season, September reminds everyone of change. Whether you have a child, are a student, or have full-time work, the season and your schedule picks up quickly. You might notice that traffic increases. There are longer lines at the grocery store, gas station, car wash, toll booths (EZ-Pass solves part of the issue), and there is the inevitable cosmic shift in gym memberships. Yes, you have to wait in line to use the treadmill or simple to pick up the 20lbs set of dumbbells because it is chest day.

Or, everything aforementioned is false.

Longer lines, more stress, hectic schedules, and the smell of pumpkin in the air means that it is time to workout even better. Hopefully, with a busier schedule, you can find the time to squeeze in a 15-minute workout, right? After all, high-intensity with short intervals burns fat and can build muscle. Some things that you can do include the following:

1)  Environment...check to see if your immediate environment is positive. Does it promote health for your family? Does it promote positive attitudes? Is it dangerous? Do changes need to be made? Who is active in your environment? An active and integrated environment gives good benefits.

2) Explore...the many options that you have around you. You may live by a park, playground, or bike path that is optimal to your human performance goals. The only trick is that you do not know it exists. You should know what is in your neighborhood.

3) Eliminate...distractions from your busy life. It means re-arranging your home. If you have a television in your bedroom, but it prevents you from getting things done (e.g., sleep, overeating in bed, etc.), then you may need to take the TV out your bedroom. It is as simple and easy as it sounds.

Purpose and Development,
Derek

Derek Arledge, CSCS       www.teempt.com        TEEM Performance Training