Posts Tagged with "assessment"

Everything and Nothing Causes Low Back Pain

The topic of low back pain (LBP) – how to assess it, diagnose it, and how to treat it – can be a controversial one. I italicized the word “can” because I don’t feel it’s all that controversial. Cauliflower as an option for pizza crust or Zach being chosen as the bachelor on the current season of… Read more

The Peculiar State of Fitness Assessments

NOTE: There’s only a few more days to get my latest continuing education resource – Strategic Strength – at $50 off the regular price. Today’s post discusses one of the main topics covered in the course: Assessment. Assessment. People don’t like the feeling of being judged – especially by complete strangers. However, when it comes… Read more

You’re Probably Not Broken

The fitness industry preys on dysfunction. It seeks out the broken, the weak, and the (seemingly) frail, chews them up, and then spits them out. One 24 session pack at a time. I hate it. I HAAAAAATE it. We need to do a better job at championing success and cementing the notion that (most) people… Read more

Textbook Technique and Why it Doesn’t Exist

It’s not lost on me that the title of this post will raise some eyebrows. The title shouldn’t be taken too literally, because I do feel there are ideal approaches, methodologies, and “rules” to consider when coaching any lift in the weight room. That said, when it comes to exercise technique (or human movement in… Read more

You’re Not Broken If You’re Asymmetrical. You’re Normal.

One of the more flagrant “mic drops” I toss down whenever I speak to a group of fitness professionals (remember when we used to be able to do that in person?) is that forcing people to adopt a symmetrical stance while performing basic lifts such as deadlifts or squats is more likely hurting people rather… Read more

The Dubious D Word of the Fitness Industry

Here’s a hint: It’s not dorsiflexion, diastasis, disc herniation, or density set. And it’s also not deload, DOMS, or dorsal talonavicular ligament. <– say that three times fast. Nope, the most dubious “D” word I’m referring to and the word I wish more fitness professionals would use LESS is… …dysfunction. Stop It. Stop It Right… Read more

Part III: Correcting the Knees and Ankles

It’s been a bit, but Part III of Kevin Mullins’ “Corrective Exercise” series is finally here. I’d sorta mirrors the anticipation everyone had for the Game of Thrones season premiere this past week, except not even close. Sorry Kev: dragons will always reign supreme over ankle dorsiflexion…;o) NOTE: Stressing the word “finally” above had nothing… Read more

Assessment: Can Your Clients Actually Do What You Want Them to Do?

There’s a lot that needs to be taken into consideration when assessing a new client. Their unique injury history (past and present), goal(s), training experience, time constraints, equipment availability, even their favorite 90’s tv teen drama (if it’s not Party of Five we can’t be friends)… …all are taken into account and cross-pollinated with my… Read more