Strength and Physique: Online Personal Training

Hi James,
 
I have been trying out the 8x8 routine, and it is a incredible.  I haven’t experienced muscle fatigue like this before.  I am into my second week of it, and I have made up 4 workout routines.  I am doing it only 4 times a week with 2 days on then 1 day off.  I have a couple questions. 
 
1)      How many weeks would you recommend doing the 8x8 routine?
2)      Is it OK that I on the 7th and 8th set that I fall short of the 8 reps?
3)      What routine would you recommend after I have finished up this routine, or could I just switch the exercises?
 
Thank you for your advice.  You books are great I refer to them often.  I only wished I knew about the Ebooks before I bought the paper ones.
 
Sincerely,
Derek


My Answer: Follow the 8x8 program no longer than 3 weeks, then afterwards do the 3-5 Method for 3 weeks.  Perfectly fine to fall short of 8 reps on the 7th and 8th set.

I get a lot of questions on what training program to do and what training program to do after a training program I just recommended.  Due to this reader interest, I've decided to offer online personal training.  Although I do train clients in person, most of you readers live outside of the Bay Area.  For those who have expressed interest in training with me but do not live in the San Francisco area, this is the next best thing.  

Many personal trainers have prefab programs that they give to all their clients, regardless of body type or training goals. They take a "one size fits all" approach to personal training.

Now any personal trainer can show you how to perform some basic exercises. Any personal trainer can make you "feel" like you're getting a good workout by exhausting the crap out of you.

Not every personal trainer, however, has the extensive knowledge to design an effective training program to keep you on course and give you results.

Specific training and physique goals require specific training programs. I sit down with you, discuss your goals, assess your body type, and then draw up a program tailored to YOU.

I design programs based on your specific goals, your level of fitness, and the equipment available to you. These programs are very structured and are very effective if you commit to them fully. You would be working with mostly free weights, body weight exercises and machines. You'll also be required to maintain a training and food log.

I'd send you a questionnaire to get a good sense of your training and physique level.  Once I understand your goals and background, then I will write up a detailed program for you to follow. During the program, you can ask me any questions by email. I will send you video links to showcase any particular exercises you're not familiar with.

If you're interested in online training, then email me at jchan@strengthandphysique.com.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Targeting the Deltoids, Minimizing the Traps

Image
Q:  I've read your article about shoulder workouts as well as many others, and I have a question. I really appreciate if you can spare some time to answer it. I heard from almost everywhere that you can get wider shoulders by working out. I have a very slim body (56 kg, 172 cm tall, 24 year old male) and very narrow shoulders. The width of my shoulders is only two times of the width of my head (1/2). I checked this ratio by measuring photos of a man with broad shoulders, and this ratio is usually 1/3. I know it has a lot to do with genetics, but how much exactly can you add to your shoulder size by workout? Someone told me that you can add 2 centimeters to each side at a total of 4 cm maximum. Even if that's true, by working out my deltoids I will also work my trapezius muscles as well, even if I don't want to. And the growth of the trapezius makes your shoulders look narrow, because it gives your shoulders an angle to the ground rather than being nearly parallel to
Keep reading

Bench Press to Increase Pushups

Image
Q: I must say I enjoy reading what you write and find you somewhat an inspiration. I have wanted to be a police officer my entire life, but considering a juvenile criminal record (JUST expunged) I can't join the Marines as an MP. I can't join period either, because I got my GED and so I'm volunteering at the YMCA, and answering phones at the fire department until I start college for a degree in Education. I do have one area of concern. I used to box. I'm 17, but started boxing when I was 16. I weighed 115 and was benching 180. Around New Year’s I cut myself on the wrist and severed several tendons, which put me to all running and biking for a good many months. Just this past month I've gotten back to work out, but I've found myself hesitating from the bench press due to a concern that it might affect my push up reps. My goal I've set is 100 push ups by New Year's, as well as squatting 200 pounds 20 times, running 5k, and 20+ chin ups. It
Keep reading

Leg Presses and 5x5

Image
Q: What's your opinion on the 5x5 training programs? They are very well liked by many.  Also, because of tight hamstrings, I like leg presses better than squats. Are leg presses effective? Squats are very useful and build overall strength. Can the same be said about leg presses? -CS My Answer: The 5x5 is a solid program and has been around for a long, long time. Of all the programs floating around in the gym, it is second to the 10-8-6-15 program as far as popularity. But while the 5x5 is a solid program by itself, it works even better as a decompression program, which I go over in Strength and Physique: The Articles . As far as leg presses, it really depends on what your goal is. If you're an athlete looking to gain real world strength and size, then the leg press won't do anything for you unless you're a speed skater. If you're just concerned about size and nothing else, then the leg press is good choice, even better than the squat. Q:
Keep reading