Being a Fitness Advocate

Back in my clinical practice days I focused on niching myself into working primarily with active populations. Given that CrossFit was my primary modality of training, that was where most of my clientele came from but, it was not uncommon that I would see: runners, cyclists, orange theory enthusiasts, powerlifters, and Olympic lifters. One “rule” I had: no projection about what fitness should be for someone or try to “turn them to the dark side” of CrossFit. 

The fitness journey can be unique in that many people are initially resistant to it. They fear being sore, they are intimidated to walk into even the least intimidating gym, they’ve tried and failed before, or they just couldn’t stay consistent. So when it clicks for someone, it’s paramount to be their fitness navigation advocate. How can I help KEEP this person active? - Knowing the stakes of regression to inactivity (or worse) could be likely. 

These days, it seems as though everyone has the answer… when in reality, we only have the same problems to a different degree. The truth is, no fitness program can keep your clients pain free, not because they lack attention, screening processes, or any other term out there, but mainly because there are just too many damn variables to account for! And that’s ok.

Orthopedic injuries are likely to pop up along the way… about 1 every 3-5 training years per the research… and that’s really not much different from low intensity (or low impact training modalities) to higher ones. But we see with our eyes what looks dangerous… and we judge. “That must’ve been the issue” - as a society that needs answers for everything. 

But as you evolve to a fitness advocate and evolving professional helping your clients navigate their unique situation to continue keeping the fun in training will be the driving force of consistency. 

The best training programs are the ones that your client will stick to. Those programs are typically filled with fun and a pursuit of “something” - maybe it’s skill, athleticism, badges, t-shirts, or a goal. Keep this in mind next time you’re analyzing a client’s program.