Ready for Takeoff
This entry was posted on January 27, 2010 by Mike Robertson. It was tagged with Training.
Crash and Burn
Within the industry, people have a lot of different viewpoints on what kind of coach or trainer I am.
To some, I'm a mobility guy.
To others, I'm a corrective exercise guy.
To others, I'm a strength guy.
And believe it or not, there are some people that frankly don't care - they just don't like me!
Their issue is that they feel I'm trying to be a physical therapist, or do a physical therapists job. And that's something I have to take issue with.
As I have mentioned numerous times, my job isn't to perform physical therapy. One of my primary jobs, however, is to determine if someone needs care or treatment beyond what I'm capable of giving them.
It boils down to this: Which clients can I train? And which ones should I refer out?
Quite simply, is this client ready to train? Are they ready for takeoff?
Just because I know a provocoative test for the lower back, or a test for shoulder impingement, doesn't mean I treat those people. I know the test, and I use it to determine if this is someone I should be training or not.
(And if they fail, I send them to a physical therapist - his name is Bill Hartman, and you might have heard of him before. He's pretty good.)
Sarcasm aside, it's not outside of a trainers scope of practice to determine if someone has underlying issues or pain. In fact, that is your job! You should know enough to determine whom you can or can't train.
The issue herein becomes if you either knowingly train someone who is beyond your scope, or if you fail to screen them in the first place.
If you're looking for assessment tools, be sure to check out either Assess and Correct or Building the Efficient Athlete. Both are great tools that can get you in the game, and start growing your assessment toolbox.
Stay strong
MR
Comments For This Entry
Posted by TJ at 07:46PM on January 27, 2010
Mike,
You've always been a class act who possesses and willingly shares a wealth of knowledge while expecting nothing in return. On top of that, you've never tried to be anything your not nor made such claims, but you have always been world-class at being who and what you are and all that you DO bring to the table.Furthermore, while there are bound to be polarizing figures in your industry, if you're ever considered to be one of them, I am very afraid for the industry, and especially for those who have to deal with people who would attempt to unjustly label you as such.
Keep up the excellent work, and always know that you are tremendous at what you do and always operate with the dignity befitting the great names in any and every industry. If there are people out there who are as nice, humble, generous, and knowledgeable as you, then I have yet to cross paths with them, and you're definitely in select company.
Posted by Nia Shanks at 08:43AM on January 29, 2010
Mike-
It's funny you mention this. I was having this same conversation with two PTs a couple of nights ago. They were saying that ATCs and personal trainers/coaches don't know their limitations.
I said that every coach/trainer should educate themselves on how to determine whether or not someone is capable of weight lifting, and knowing some simple tests is not "going beyond their limitation".
Likewise I told them that I know of several PTs who think they know how to strength train people just because of their education, when in fact they don't have a clue what they're doing.
Like you, I know what I know, and I know who I can train and who I can't. If they are out of my scope of expertise, I send them to the right person.
You're not trying to pretend to be a PT - you are educating yourself so you can give people the service they pay you for, and that they deserve. You are definitely an inspiration to me, and I admire your vast knowledge. Keep up the good work!!!
Posted by Bret Contreras at 08:29PM on January 29, 2010
I agree Mike. Personal trainers and coaches who don't want to learn corrective exercise are just lazy! You can't maximize power and speed without maximizing movement efficiency. Any jackass can put fitness onto dysfunction (as Gray Cook would say), but the best coaches and trainers can fix imbalances, wake up dormant muscles, and improve mobility while increasing strength, power, speed, and agility.
Posted by Jess Campbell at 08:13PM on January 31, 2010
Mike,
You are a great teacher and an inspiration!
Your thirst for knowledge & modesty are impressive.
I have learnt so much from your work and the knowledge you share with us reaches far beyond looking good in a bikini. Improving peoples posture, strength, mobility and LIVES is exciting!
To your continuing success :)
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