As a personal trainer, how many different exercises should you do with a client in a session?
Some trainers do at least 10, while others repeat the same four. What is the best tactic?
A set number of required exercises for a client per session does not exist. There are a number of client factors that contribute to the number of exercises you will complete with a client during a standard session:
- Time: How long are your sessions? 30 minutes? 1 hour?
- Experience: Is your client new to exercise? Or a seasoned lifter?
- Health conditions: Does your client have a medical condition that may inhibit their ability such as hypertension, obesity, multiple sclerosis?
- Resting time: Does your client need more frequent breaks?
Aside from the client factors, there are many elements to each individual trainer such as:
- Training style: Do you have a more traditional style? Do you perform circuits? Do you subscribe to a hybrid way of training?
- Training ability: Less experience may mean a more generic training routine whereas seasoned trainers may change acute variables each week.
- Training philosophy: Every trainer belongs to a different style of thinking; some may be more "old school" where others may jump aboard the latest trends.
- Recognizing client ability: Some trainers have an eye for spotting immediate concerns where others are still developing this trait. One trainer may want to spend 2 months on flexibility and exercise correction where another may jump right into strength training.
Regardless of the factors above, the acute variables need to be based on that specific client. You should never use a generic workout program for several different clients. Perform a fitness assessment, note any muscle imbalances or postural distortions then create a program accordingly.
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