Do Gym Plans Work?
- The limitations of programmes
- * What to do to improve your results
I was in the gym last night and there was an induction going on. I’ve delivered my fair share of these too – I couldn’t even begin to count how many people.
I even remember back in the day being given a gym plan for the first time. I think “daunting” would be the word I’d chose!
Not only would the equipment seem strange but I would forget about most of them soon after. This would inevitably lead to doing my own thing (and not getting results as quickly as I would have with a plan).
Learning new things is difficult (especially in a busy gym) and knowing how to adjust machines / equipment.
I’ll cover it in more detail later but the RYPT app is the ultimate workout companion for personalised training whether at home or in the gym.
Every induction involves so much to take in and that doesn’t even include things like repetition ranges or types of training plus the inevitable question about diets at the end. Furthermore, my frustration was that few people would ask me questions after the induction, even via email or in the gym as inevitably they would have numerous questions about fitness.
Uptake of free programme designs was normally poor (as a percentage of the gym population) despite seeing the same people repeating their own workouts every gym session (surely they get bored, no?)
Then if people did make it through the programme design, I found that they would try it a few times then go back to their old ways or stick to abdominal workouts or the same select exercises.
Using new gym equipment is daunting and the last thing anyone wants is to make a fool of themselves.
Therefore we select what we enjoy and ignore what we struggle with! It’s human nature. I always aimed to make my inductions informative and hopefully change habits / myths in fitness (RYPT Facebook page has a myth examined every day at 11:00 in January).
A gym plan should be basic unless the recipient is experienced. Most of the time, people quitting on a plan is because it’s too complicated.
The average new gym goer has never used (or even seen) kettlebells, ViPR or most free weight equipment.
Certainly I had never seen most if it when I started.
The standard gym induction is difficult to cover everything (from safety information to best practices then exercises and setting up a plan).
Information overload in other words!
I would demonstrate 6–8 machines and keep it basic (this limited range wasn’t always enough for everyone). The lack of a personalised plan wasn’t ideal but in 30 minutes it was tough to get everything in.
That’s one of the reasons why I started online PT. Obviously I can’t always be with clients when needed but the app allows them to see me demonstrating an exercise wherever there are, as many times as needed!
I’ve seen clients consistency rates rocket as a result! Not only do they track progress (own measurements and weights lifted) but I get daily emails about who has workout out using the app. From there, I can follow up if people are struggling or not finding time.
Consistency and a personalised plan will guarantee results. There is absolutely no question about it.
Sure, you could have a paper plan with pictures or you could have a video (in your pocket) and synced as part of an app to assist you. No more searching YouTube for a video then writing down your weights; it’s all integrated and fast.
Even my own workouts have been cut down to under an hour because I know exactly what to do and I don’t need to waste time.
Quicker workouts, better results and a more enjoyable experience…guaranteed! All this for £40 per month (the price of only ONE personal training session) and with no contract, you are really missing out if you don’t try it.
Get your FREE health score as a starting point now: three personalised lifestyle, exercise and nutrition questionnaires straight to your email inbox! Complete a health questionnaire via www.RYPT.info now!
Ross
