Fitness Tools to Maximize Your Results

by Doug Jackson, M.Ed.,CSCS

A lot of times, I get questions regarding my opinion on pilates andyoga.

What do I think of them?

I think they are great! But....

They're great for conditioning (in fact I'm planning on getting a pilates certification this summer), but as with many other fitness programs, are often mis-marketed.

Yoga for weight loss? Don't hold your breath. But forflexibility, it can't be beat....

Which brings me to the concept of 'tools', something that comes up a lot in my communication with clients.

No, we're generally not using the term to describe people we think are... well...tools.

I'm referring to all of the different tools we can use to optimize the conditioning of the human body.

And yoga and pilates are tools.

Weight training is a tool.

Bodyweight training is a tool.

Bodybuilding is a tool.

Olympic lifting exercises are a tool.

I could also refer to each of these as subdisciplines. Note theroot word of the term discipline is disciple.

And each of these forms of fitness has disciples.

But don't believe anyone who makes a blanket statement suggestingtheir subdiscipline of fitness is best for you.

And if someone does say that, make them back it up.

Here's an example:

Pilates is the best form of exercise for toning.

Yeah? Back it up.

Here's what I would say: "Pilates is a unique exercise style thateffectively conditions the core and can be helpful to athletes who need core conditiong as well as people in certain low-back rehab situations.

Is it the best for toning? In general, I'd say no.

Is bodybuilding style training protocols the best for flexibility? No.

Will it make you muscle-bound and tight? Not likely, although many yoga and pilates disciples would have you believe so.

Is bodybuilding the best way to enhance metabolism, build muscle,and transform the way we look? Yes, but it's not ideal to use itall the time if you want to enhance function and athleticism.

Do you understand my point?

For total fitness, dont' fall into one school of thought...onecamp. That's narrow-minded.

I personally like to train what I call "mixed qualities' when Idevelop programs for myself.

I'll look at my goals. What do I want to achieve? Then I'll look at my weaknesses. What weaknesses do I need to address?

Then I'll integrate the 'tools' at my disposal into a weeklytraining program with the right mix to get me where I want to go.

Many of my clients have worked with other trainers in the past.Most also say, "Wow...nobody ever did it this way before."

And for the most part, that's because most people in the fitnessprofession fall into these little camps that think in oneparticular way.

I mix the schools of thoughts together based on the person'sgoals.

I'd like to think that it produces superior results. Actually, I'm confident that it does.

So think about the fitness program you've been doing. Does itfollow a particular paradigm?

Is it endurance based? Is it strength based? Is it flexibilitybased?

Maybe it's time to mix it up.

Use the tools at your disposal.

I hope this was helpful for you.

As always, I'm dedicated to your health, fitness, and humanpotential,

Doug Jackson, M.Ed.,CSCSwww.PersonalFitnessAdvantage.com

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