I had a client recently ask me why we weren’t doing any direct arm work in his training program. He wasn’t questioning his program, he was just curious why he wasn’t busting out bicep curls during his sessions.
I asked him what his goal was and he said fat loss and general health. He has dropped a lot of junk weight and is feeling much better so his program is working perfectly to which he happily agreed.
For his goal and the time he has available to train each week, arm work just doesn’t make the grade. There are far more effective exercises to choose from to deliver the results that he is looking for.
99% of our clients simply want to be fit and healthy. They have a few hours a week to exercise so it’s a huge priority for us to choose the best training training methods and exercises that will deliver the biggest bang-for-your-buck.
Whether it’s fat loss, sports performance or general health & fitness, we always ask ourselves the same question- what is the most effective, safest and efficient way to get this client to their stated goal?
In this clients case, biceps curls are nowhere to be seen.
Instead, we focus the few hours each week that we have with this client on performing exercises that build the most lean muscle tissue and burn the most calories.
This, after all, is the best way to get this client to his goal especially when it is backed up with solid lifestyle choices (sleep, healthy nutrition, water intake, etc.).
And of course, it’s the best approach in my opinion.
His arms are also getting worked but in a way that supports his fat loss and fitness goals much better- push ups, rowing exercises, etc.
And of course, we do add in direct arm work to our programs if we think they will support a clients goals.
If an exercise doesn’t support your goals then whats the point doing it when you could be spending those few precious hours doing the things that will directly impact your goals?
I hope you’re agreeing with me?
And the same principle holds through whether your goal is to lose body fat, enter a powerlifting competition or run your first marathon.
Take home golden nugget of wisdom
Know what your goal is and only choose exercises that directly support those goals. By doing tis you’ll achieve your goals much faster and you’ll squeeze every ounce of potential out of each training session.
If you need help doing this just click on the banner below to book your 30 minute consultation.
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