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MP101: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us, Joe. Why don't you briefly tell us a bit about yourself for those who aren't familiar with you? JS: Hmmm, where do I begin? I'm a co-author of "The Power of Champions", an IDEA Master Fitness Trainer and these days, I'm probably best known for my advisory role and regular contributions to Men's Fitness magazine. While I've been into the 'gym-scene' for as long as I can remember, this actually became my career path by accident. In the early '90s, I was training at Quads Gym on Chicago's south side when the manager of the gym had to step out for an appointment. He asked me if I wouldn't mind watching the counter until he returned. The rest, as they say, is a mystery! MP101: So what kind of people do you work with? JS: After getting my feet wet in the fit-biz in Chicago doing everything from membership sales to program design to being the guy who has to drag the 150lb dumbbells back to their proper place after the gym closed, I spent a few years in England - about 2 hrs drive north of London [in the small NW Leicestershire village of Snarestone for anyone who may be into British geography] where I started an in-home training business. A majority of my UK clients had performance based goals; rugby, ½ marathons, 5k runs, etc. Of course there were those who had some excess weight to lose, but even they would often have some underlying performance aspirations, too. When I returned to the US in 2001 where the fitness market is primarily weight loss/image based, I somehow got involved with beauty pageant competitors. I've worked with models, doctors, actors, weekend-warriors and "regular people" from all walks of life. Funny thing is, no matter what 'kind of person' I've worked with, they ALL use the same basic movement patterns and are capable of responding to exercise and goal-supportive nutrition in pretty much the same way. One other common thread my clients typically share is that they DON'T (for one reason or another) train at a commercial gym. Because of the wide range of people I've helped over the years, I often joke that I'm a highly specialized generalist - or maybe I should make that a generalized specialist? MP101: As a nutrition guy, who travels a ton, I often get the question of what folks can eat when on the road that will allow them to stick to their nutrition plan. How about training-what would you suggest for folks who travel, but of course want to stay in tip top shape training wise? JS: Simply maintain the HABIT of regular 'intentional' exercise. You might not always be able to get your "ideal" workout, but if you consistently accumulate 5 hours of physical activity each week, the results you want will 'magically' happen - kind of a side-effect of positive efforts, ya know? When you get home, you can resume 'ideal' training. Note: Taking the stairs instead of the elevator does NOT count. I'd call that 'incidental' activity. It's still a valuable part of an active lifestyle, but by if that’s what you’re calling exercise, don't expect any fitness miracles to happen. Now you could call it intentional if you have no reason to climb the stairs other than for exercise. MP101: I know you train both men and women - do you train them any differently if they have the same goals? JS: First off, I view 'training' and 'coaching' as two different things. If you can imagine training as giving the man a fish, coaching is teaching the man to fish. In my opinion, most people don't actually need a trainer. What good is it to have a great program without the tools and understanding to implement it? But with solid coaching, you can learn the important principles and effectively 'train' yourself. For those clients I work with who do need training - male, female or otherwise - there are always going to be differences based on personal goals, abilities, limitations, etc. But unless exercise is a habit, I can only support and assist whatever activities they actually enjoy. Exercise should be viewed as something you want to do (imagine that!) before worrying about the minutiae. MP101: Body weight exercises seem to be getting more popular right now-do you use them a lot with your clients or are you more of a “weights” guy, considering you were once a competitive power lifter? JS: Once the exercise habit has been developed, I take a systematic approach to progression – after all, that is the name of the game when it comes to fitness. ALL forms of exercise will have benefits (even the thighmaster) as well as inherent limitations (ESPECIALLY the thighmaster!). Bodyweight can be every bit as challenging as 100s of pounds loaded on a bar, so yes, I absolutely incorporate bodyweight exercises in my clients (and my own) training programs. MP101: What 3 exercises should be in everyone's repertoire, barring any injury or unique situation? JS: While in the process of creating the fitness-habit, ANY exercise you'll do is "the best" - even if it's not "by the book". Assuming we're talking about someone who's already at that level, I'd start with a deadlift (and that's not just the powerlifter in me talking!) Second, I'd want to use some kind of overhead pressing movement. One arm or 2, seated, standing or anywhere in between, just reach for the sky! Third, while not an exercise, per se, I view an appropriate post-workout meal as an essential part of training.. The workout's not over until the calories and all-important nutrients come rolling in! MP101: Alright, wrap it up for our readers--take home points and where can they go to find out more about you? JS: Start with 5 hours of intentional exercise a week. More isn't necessarily better. If 5 hours is a habit and you're not making progress, it's time to increase the intensity. At a simple level, fitness is all about progression. Generally speaking, it's not as important what you do as long as you're doing something that can be made more challenging as you evolve. For those who just can't
get enough of me, I have a fitness-themed blog, And if training in a
gym isn't your thing, you can pick up my free 14 page downloadable
home-gym guide at www.HomeExerciseResources.com |