Food for thought- The Push up

Ok folks, so our food for thought segment is a weekly study guide on the nuts and bolts of working in the field. This will be geared more toward the novice/intermediate trainer, by addressing issues we deal with in the field every day. 


Weekly Theme: Becoming brilliant at the basics

Ok folks, for our first edition of food for thought we are getting back to the basics. The first step to being a "trainer" is being a great coach of basic exercise.

We can learn so much about a client simply by watching them push up, squat, pull, etc. These basic moves are the foundation of every exercise we create and by far the best "movement" screen for possible issues etc.

For example, when watching a client squat or lunge we can immediately spot issues via the following errors:

• Early heel lift during squat/lunge- Ankle mobility problems
• Lean forward- T-spine/shoulder mobility limitations
• Knees internally rotate- Weak hip stabilizers/tight medial chain
• Inability to fully extend pelvis- Tight hip flexors/anterior hip

While this is just the tip of the iceberg, we can spot these issues and appropriately progress/regress exercises as needed for individuals and groups. With this in mind, check out this week's

Monday: The Push up position