Hyprid/P90X/Intensity/whatever exercise and their benefits

[JayRock]

Hi, i've been a trainer now for just about 4-5 years and more and more recently I keep coming across clients and bootcampers that seem to just be into whatever the newest move or exercise they can learn is. I'd like to think that I have a good amount of variety I can provide but sometimes I feel the pressure to always have something new. The new gym I work at is all about new, crazy type of hyprid exercises. I like variety too but do all of these different things like battle ropes, kettlebells, Insanity type stuff, do they really provide extra benefit or is it just all about variety? Bc sometimes I feel like i'm a circus trainer putting them through hoops.

[ZiR RED]

It goes both way.

Non-traditional exercise equipment such as kettle bells, battle ropes, sand bags, strong man props, etc. provides certain advantages that traditional free weights do not. The odd-shapes result in less stability and more torsion in the lift, requiring lower loads but a greater recruitment of core and ancillary muscles that wouldn't be used in a normal lift.

On the other hand, a LOT of these workout programs (p90x, insanity, cross fit) etc. are exactly how you described them - the latest fad. Innovation is great when its supported by or based upon scientific logic; however, much of the "innovation" emerging in the fitness world is based strictly on going against the grain.

My suggestion is to go to work shops put on by professional associations to increase knowledge and diversity of exercises - check out who the guest speakers are and what they're specialties are in to ensure that you will gain experience in your particular field.

Here's some examples:
http://www.nsca-lift.org/stateclinics/searchclinic.asp
Webinars available for download: http://www.nsca-lift.org/secure/webinars/
http://www.bodybyboyle.com/

Br