10.2 Start of every session

The warm-up is integral to priming the body for the main workout phase, boosting circulation, gradually increasing the heart rate, and loosening up joints and muscles.

The warm-up routine may vary depending on the client’s needs and physical condition. For example, some clients might need a light cardio exercise to start, like the elliptical trainer routine we created for Karen in Chapter 9. For others, it might be more appropriate to have a dynamic warm-up combining activation and mobilization techniques. Alternatively, you can create a warm-up session that comprises dynamic exercises to engage more muscle groups and concurrently includes suitable corrective exercises for your client.

When it comes to corrective exercises, the aim is to provide both instant and ongoing relief or change. If consistently using these exercises does not lead to noticeable improvement, it might suggest they aren’t effective. Therefore it is prompting you to reconsider and devise a new strategy.

Your role as a trainer is not limited to designing the training program; it also includes detailed demonstration and explanation of each exercise. Strive to master all three communication styles – auditory, visual, and kinesthetic – to effectively explain exercises and cater to the diverse learning preferences of your clients.

Remember, demonstrating and explaining every exercise is not confined to the warm-up part of the workout alone. Instead, it is a practice that should be maintained throughout the entire training session. This enables your clients to understand and perform the exercises correctly, reduces the risk of injuries, and maximizes the workout’s effectiveness.