Here are some ways to identify whether or not you have a qualified trainer.

• Bosu Ball - These, along with similar unstable devices were developed for the rehabilitative setting.  Individuals who are recently post surgery or injury (ACL, MCL, ankle sprain etc.) can benefit from the use of these unstable devices.  The instability of these balls places considerable demand on the stabilizing muscles around an unstable joint.  This movement also increases proprioception (the unconscious perception of movement and spatial orientation arising from stimuli within the body itself).  And because there is a relationship between balance and “core strength” people now believe any exercise done on a Bosu Balls force you to “use your core more” thus the exercise is better, and it will yield a strong, sexy, six pack!  Wrong.  Unless you are joining the circus, or other occupation where balancing on a round ball is necessary, or if you are performing physical therapy for a recently injured joint, Bosu balls are virtually useless.  Ground based strength movements have a far greater impact on core strength/stability due in part to the fact that these movements force us to maintain mid-line stability under large loads much like we would in daily activities.  Back squat, dead lift, overhead squats are three of the best!  A bicep curl, regardless if it is performed on a Bosu ball, is still a completely useless exercise.  If your goal is to increase your core strength, increase your fitness levels, and/or change your body composition and your trainer suggests an exercise on the Bosu ball, I suggest you find a new trainer.

 

•   Nutrition - If your goals include losing body fat, increasing lean body mass, or improving your strength and overall fitness, nutrition is KEY.  If body fat reduction is one of your main goals, nutrition will play a far greater role in achieving this goal than exercise.  If your trainer does not ask about the types of food you are eating, give you nutritional guidance, and continually educate and motivate you to make healthier nutritional decisions, you should without a doubt find a new trainer.  If you pay a trainer to help you achieve a better body and they are only addressing the importance of exercise, they have failed miserably as a professional… do not pass go, do not collect $200.

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Monday’s WOD:

Front Squats
5-5-5-5-5

Pullups (weighted if possible)
5-5-5-5-5

Performance props to Jennifer for getting her first unassisted pullups.  She actually did 3 consecutive, dead hang pullups!  Lones was also ripping out unassisted pullups.  And Sarah G. was stringing together consecutive kipping pullups like a pro.  Awesome job ladies!

Post props to comments, along with your favorite Bosu Ball exercise.

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