Personal training sessions & injuries

[Pompal 09.]

Hi all

Now I'm in no way having a go at personal trainers, fitness instructors & the like because I'm sure they aren't all the same, but I have clients that are doing sessions with personal trainers in my local area, mostly weights/resistance training & some of them are getting injuries, muscle imbalances, pain & decreased ROM. Most of them are trying to lose weight & get fitter but I am concerned that they are being asked to push unrealisitic sized weights for their age, body shape & level of fitness.
I think resistance training is fine in moderation & combined with stretching & some cardio. But for instance, when I have 50-60 yr old women coming to me with piriformis syndrome, QL's like rocks etc because they have been asked to incline leg press 200 odd lbs I get a bit annoyed.
Any thoughts anyone? Any of your clients getting injuries from personal training sessions?

Sorry about the vent.

Cheers

Oz

 

[pasanun s]

I see yoga injuries, particularly in the neck from (I think) excessive or badly-set-up shoulder stands. Nothing particularly from personal trainers, but that might be more because of who I see than anything else.

 

[Highlands Emma de Milo]

I think it depends on the trainer/instructor. Some personal trainers (and yoga teachers as well) teach a tough-love style that can push people past their limits. Then, injuries occur. However, other trainers know how to challenge people without pushing them too far. My advice is to ask around and discover who the best personal trainers & fitness instructors are in your area. That way, if a client comes in with a fitness injury, you can say, "Hey. I know a great trainer who helps people build fitness, but in a very safe manner. Would you like their number?"

In my town, I refer people to a personal trainer who specializes in pilates, done on the "transformer" machine. I have indeed seen clients' bodies transform through her work. They become stronger and more flexible, and so far -- no injuries. I also have a yoga instructor I refer clients to. She teaches Kripalu style (which is gentler than the more common iyengar/power/flow yoga styles). She also shows different levels of poses and encourages everyone to start at the first level and progress up over time.

 

[xxAbbyxxJeffro]

Being a soft tissue therapist and exercise physiologist myself, I would have to say that the strength training and exercise is more important than massage. Not to discard the massage but I feel that these people need to be pushed, and they do complain about muscle soreness which can be mistaken for neural pain...ie piriformis syndrome!! I think you should work with the trainers to get a better understanding on where they are coming from, some trainers are crap and inexperienced, but your clients will trust you so steer them in the right direction. These people will feel pain, but should be given adequate rest, stretching and recovery...Sometimes it is important to decrease people's ROM especially if they are women , hyper mobile, and overweight...