The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts: Integrated Training.

(continued from March edition of Frank's Paperweight)

Weighted resistance training has been proven to increase bone density, a key combatant to sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Resistance training is especially beneficial to women, with evidence indicating that participation in regular resistance exercise can have significant neuromuscular benefits independent of age. The elderly population has found that weight training improves their quality of life. Basic weight training provides several benefits
· Improved Cardiovascular Efficiency
· Decreased Body Fat
· Beneficial Endocrine and Serum Lipid Adaptations
· Increased Lean Body Mass, Metabolic Efficiency, Tissue Tensile Strength, and Bone Density

Ironically, the development of all other forms of training originated from basic weight training. But just as I stated earlier, one specific form of training is NOT the approach to be taken towards achieving maximal fitness or your fitness goals.

The approach to fitness needs to be varied with each one of the components addressed. Integrated Training better prepares the body for daily living and helps to transfer the benefits of the gym to home. The sole concentration on one facet of training creates an imbalance which can increase your chances of injury and decrease your gains. Cardio addicts, take note.

In choosing a trainer, first, observe them training several different clients. Do they use the same approach or program with everyone?

Second, interview the trainer. What training approach are they forcing on you? Do they make reference to an integrated approach or are they fixated on what they feel is best?
Last, try one session with them? Do they introduce you to different modes of training? Do they address every component of an integrated approach? Or are they trying to impress you by having you do an exercise such as standing on a medicine ball with one foot while juggling a few dumbbells?

If you decide not to go the route of a personal trainer, then remember when training yourself, a program that would bear the best results is one that integrates all of the components of fitness: flexibility training, core stabilization training, balance training, reactive training, cardiovascular training, resistance training and nutrition.

For the trainers who are guilty of what is written in this article, your only recourse is to increase your knowledge and learn additional training methods. You must also resist the urge of applying only new training techniques to all your clients, only changing once you’ve learned something new. You are to integrate each training approach into one so that you are more valuable to your clients and can address all of their needs.