“Mind body connection” before strength training?

CeeBeeSlim
CeeBeeSlim Posts: 1,410 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi. I received great feedback from folks here about how to work with my personal trainer and therefore asked that we focus on a progressive strength training program. She replied that we will “get there”, but wanted to make sure we focus on “mind body connection and stability first”. Is this a long way of saying “form” since I also told her I (stupidly) in the past put more priority on the amount of weight I was lifting and less on form (and now have an unhappy lower back). I am so eager to get back into training - like yesterday - but want to do it the smart way. Any ideas what she meant? I’m not wasting sessions on this right? (I hope)

Replies

  • jenncornelsen
    jenncornelsen Posts: 969 Member
    I can see if you have a pre existing condition she probably doesn't want to overload you. Better safe than sorry!
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    edited January 2020
    CeeBeeSlim wrote: »
    Is this a long way of saying “form” (I hope)

    No, apparently she's having you do remedial exercises that supposedly will prepare to you do typical exercises like squats, etc. Sometimes these "baby steps" are warranted, but many trainers do them unnecessarily instead of just correcting form on the standard exercises. We have no way of knowing if her exercises are warranted in your case. Maybe you should talk to her about what her general plans are for you for the next few weeks.

    What is her certification?
  • cupcakesandproteinshakes
    cupcakesandproteinshakes Posts: 1,277 Member
    I think this is a load of nonsense from your pt. check their qualifications and background and if you want to do a strength training programme, in particular, ask what qualifications they have in they field and how many clients they have designed lifting programmes for. If they can’t answer and have no experience of programming in a strength or hypertrophy context then they may not be the right one for you. Most trainers in commercial gyms I have been in (in a member of a large chain) are used to working with general weight loss clients. Nothing wrong with that, but if it’s not you goals, it’s not for you.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,808 Member
    "Any ideas what she meant?" - No!

    Get to explain what she means in plain English.
    Stability - do you fall over often? If your mind and body aren't connected you have serious problems! :wink:

    Then decide if your goal is best served by simply starting lifting at an appropriate weight and start correcting any issues.

    Also decide if this trainer is the right one for your goals, they differ hugely in ability and experience. It's a big concern you have walked away from your session not knowing what she actually means or plans for you.

  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,232 Member
    mind body connection can mean so many things, it's best to ask her directly.
  • heiidiigal
    heiidiigal Posts: 1 Member
    Mind- body connection could be truly knowing and feeling the correct muscles you’re supposed to be working on during a given exercise and at that given time
    Stability should improve as your form improves
  • CeeBeeSlim
    CeeBeeSlim Posts: 1,410 Member
    @heiidiigal Thanks and yep, as you and others have said, this what she meant. She told me to do one squat and after her 17 corrections (slightly exaggerating!) after my first one (were my feet aligned, toes slightly out, core sucked in, shoulders back, eyes looking forward, not leaning forward, sit in my hips), she said “mind/body!”
    Ugh. The machines are looking better and better!
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