That is our job as a PT - to keep someone safe whilst being able to get him or her to their goals. If I see that a client can't perform basic tasks that are relevant to running (for example, Stork test or they present with a large Q angle, poor hip/knee/ankle alignment) then I'm not going to qualify them to train for the race, at least until I've done the necessary correction work. Essentially I'm testing their physical ability to be able to cope with the demands of training for and then participating in a 21km race. The first thing I'll do is put them through some movement patterns to assess their overall strength, mobility, and co-ordination. A common goal amongst women is to "run a half marathon." They see the 21 km as a great achievement and so come to me for advice. We need to ask ourselves the question, "Is this person qualified to perform or achieve X, Y, and Z?" Based on our answers we can then formulate a relevant plan of attack that will give that client what they want as well as what they need.Ī classic example is running. Regardless of whatever goal our clients want to achieve, we as professionals should first assess that individual's ability (physical and psychological) to achieve that goal. So what constitutes a "wrong" woman for competition? The word wrong probably isn't the best description, as that implies that this situation is black and white (which it isn't), so a better word to use would be "qualified."įirst, let's take a step back and show how a personal trainer should conduct his or her business. What I do have a concern with is when the "wrong" type of woman decides to participate and is given the wrong advice by a misinformed PT/Coach who still relies on out dated methodologies (low calorie diets, cutting of macronutrient groups, and excessive training). I also love that women are taking on the challenge of getting "stage-ready." I have trained many girls to get on stage, and I too once whipped out a shiny blue bikini and strutted myself on stage in hooker heels. Now, I personally have no problem with competitions - I love seeing people get on stage and compete. Two very important questions that need to be debated or at least discussed, of course, these posed questions come from my general observations, based on dealing with women who, years after competing, are still trying to pick up the pieces of their damaged bodies and psyche. "Is training for a competition just a socially acceptable way to indulge in obsessive behaviours and disordered eating habits?" "Is the rise in popularity of training for this type of body-focused competition because more girls are chasing the 'perfect' physique?Ģ. Today, droves of everyday women are being inspired by their favourite "fitspiration" memes and are embarking on rigorous training and fitness model dieting plans to get themselves on stage.ġ. The sport of competitive bodybuilding and women specific categories (such as fitness, bikini and sports model competitions) have grown in popularity over the past few years, and whilst it's a sport that has a rich history, it's largely been reserved for the more traditional body building types. I've lost count of how many girls I have met in recent times who are 'dieting down' and training hard to enter their first female fitness model competition. In the health and fitness world it seems that the fad du jour is training for a "Sports / Fitness model/'enter-whatever-specific-division-name-is-appropriate" competition.
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