Why would a trainer do this?

phillygirl629

A trainer at my gym has his client "bounce" in most of her exercises rather than perform a full range of motion. For example, in a goblet squat, she will bounce between 1/3 and 2/3 of the way down on each rep rather than fully squatting and coming back up on each rep.

Why might a trainer do this? Is there any legitimacy to this?

sardelsa

Perhaps for more glute activation? Glute tension is high at the bottom of a squat so the bounce keeps the tension on them fairly constant. I do it either with a pause or bounce just around parallel (you don't want to be too low where you are comfy). Usually using a lighter weight and adding bands.

deannalfisher

sounds like a pulsing type movement - you do full reps and then pulse in the lower position for more focused activation

CarvedTones

Why not ask the trainer?

Cherimoose

To do that on most exercises is unusual. Maybe he's a fan of pilates, where they do lots of pulses. It creates a lot of "burn", since your muscles don't get a rest between reps, and some confuse the pain with effectiveness. I agree about asking him. Let us know what you find out..

Chieflrg

It's depending on the competency of the trainer and her/his methods, but it's generally used in strength training to squat or even press at a bit higher intensity while holding form. Though goblets are one of the least useful squats for strength because the limit of intensity compared to other variations.

It's called the stretch reflex if I understand what you are describing.

aokoye

My physical therapist (who has far more education in physiology and medicine that most personal trainers by design) has me pulse doing some exercises because it allows me to become stronger in various ranges of motion that wouldn't be as targeted if I were do go through the entire range of motion.

That said, like others, I suggest asking that personal trainer.

firef1y72

My trainer sometimes has has me pulse in the bottom of a squat, lunge, press up etc, and sometimes top half. It targets particular muscles used in the move, I can definitely feel the different muscles used. Of course we also do plenty of the full move.