One Limb at a Time

I regularly include training a single side of the body at a time in my own training and my clients training too. But why?..

1. It often adds an element of balance to your training and increases the level of skill necessary
2. It often teaches you anti-rotational strength (keeping your body straight and even when the body is not under even load)
3. It allows you to uncover and address any strength imbalances between the left and right side of your body

So how should you do this? Here are a few of my favourites to include:  

Single Dumbell Chest Press (Option: On Swiss Ball)

Single dumbbell Shoulder press

Single dumbbell Three Point Row

Single Hand Seated Cable Row

Single Leg, Leg Press

Single Leg Dumbell Stiff Leg Deadlifts / Romanian Deadlifts / RDLs

TRX Pistol squats

Cable Wood Chops

REMEBER: Don’t perform any of these exercises if you’re unsure of how to perform them safely.  If you’re confident with these exercises then I’d recommend including these as part of your weekly training program.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@MichaelD_PT

13 things that annoy me in the gym...

Self explanatory title (started with 10 but this blog may grow in time). Just a bit of a rant... 

1. People not putting dumbbells back in pairs
2. People training in beanie hats
3. People training in casual, non-sports clothing - dress shorts, shirts!!?? Denim etc
4. People training in large groups (4 or more) when the purpose of the session isn't out and out strength with timed, structured rest
5. People using mirrors for anything other than checking technique
6. People who schedule an "Arms Day"
7. People talking on their phone in the gym
8. People spouting off inaccurate exercise or nutrition related knowledge
9. People in the gym who smell - wash your kit and take a shower in the morning!
10. People using the squat rack for exercises other than squatting when other people need it
11. People doing sit-ups to lose stomach fat
12. People wearing weights belts when they're not needed. Strengthen your back, don't tighten your belt!
13. People who act like their workout is the most heroic workout ever conceived by man and want the rest of the gym to know it

I could go on...

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter (@MichaelD_PT) and subscribe to my YouTube channel 

So I'm blogging...

So here I am...blogging.

I’m not claiming to be an “industry figure” or a “source of all knowledge” for that matter. There are thousands upon thousands of heavily established individuals and organisations in the fitness industry who are extremely well placed to offer advice to everyone from the lunchtime gymer to Olympic athletes.

BUT... working as a PT, I do have access to a lot of everyday people... “Joe public”, “guy (or girl) next door” types and will be probed on a variety of issues.

I’m going to attempt to answer common questions that the average gym-goer or sports enthusiast may have, with my own knowledge and that of others in the industry – fingers crossed people read, enjoy and on occasion, learn from some of my posts.

Oh well... here goes nothing...

You can also follow me on: http://twitter.com/MichaelD_PT
and view my YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/BigMikePT

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