jon-erik kawamoto personal trainer

Below is a guest blog post from a good friend of mine and fellow colleague, Chad Landers.

After over 20 years in the personal training business, I’ve come to realize that many people still have problems achieving their personal fitness goals. While this is good for my business, the vast majority of people will be training on their own without a trainer. So it’s with these folks in mind that I’m writing this guest blog for Jon.

Regardless of the goal (fat loss, muscle gain, or performance), I believe there are a few commonalities to the lack of results the average trainee experiences.

Here are my top 5:

1. Trying to create the perfect workout

 
While knowledge is a great thing, many trainees experience “analysis paralysis”. The internet age has made this a bigger problem than ever before.

Simply put, there is too much information available. We are constantly being bombarded by the latest tips, tricks and secrets to six-pack abs or buns of steel. And it all sounds good!

The result of this information overload is generally an over-complicated, convoluted, impossible to maintain program. By the time you’ve sprinkled in a little of program A with a dash of program B to an already too long program C, the resulting workout is a Frankenstein-like behemoth that takes too long to get through. You’re going to lose your mind for sure!

Do yourself a favor…pick one program that fits your goals and sensibilities and don’t add anything to it!

2. Program Hopping

 
Similar to the above advice, once you’ve picked a program, STICK TO IT!

Your program may be perfect, but you need to give it time to actually let the results come to fruition. The old adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” comes to mind.

I think most people worry too much about a program becoming stale. Stick to a program for the length of time the creator of the program suggests. This could be as little as 4 weeks or as long as a few months.

3. Forgetting the Basics

 
With a plethora of YouTube videos, exercise books and fitness DVD’s all around, it’s easy to fall prey to a “newer is better” mentality. Cool gadgets and intense-sounding routines with never-before-seen exercise secrets can be seductive, but they pale in comparison to old standbys like squats, deadlifts, bench presses and pull-ups.

There are many variations of these lifts that you can apply to help counter the boredom that can arise from doing the same exercises all the time. But remember the 80/20 rule: 80% of your results are going to come from 20% of the exercises you use. Make sure the basics are your 20% foundation.

4. Lack of Intensity

 
Intensity simple means how hard you are training. Everyone (except perhaps CrossFitters) seems to be concerned with overtraining, when in fact, they are more likely undertraining.

If my years in the public gym setting taught me anything, it’s that far too many people go through the motions when they are at the gym. They do the same workout routine with the same weights week in and week out and wonder why they aren’t making progress. It’s simply not enough just to show up (although there are days when just showing up is what matters!)

Intensity can be achieved by lifting more weight, lifting the same weight for more sets or reps (called “volume”), decreasing rest periods, and even lifting a weight faster (only appropriate for certain exercises).

5. Lack of Progression

 
Closely linked to Intensity, progression simply means that you are trying to get better.

Progression is not always linear (in fact, except in rank beginners, it’s rarely linear), but it does have to be a goal.

Again, think more weight, sets, reps; and/or less rest. Also experiment with more difficult exercises and routines as you master the current ones. (But remember number 3…the basics should always be a cornerstone of your program.)

In closing, if you find your training has lost its mojo, it’s time to re-boot. Pick a sound training plan based in the “big” exercises from an expert in the field (might I suggest Jon) and stick to it! Focus on INTENSITY & PROGRESSION and take your results to new levels!

*****

jon-erik kawamoto fitness coach

Website: www.pushprivatefitness.com
Facebook: Chad Landers
Twitter: Chad Landers

photo credit: istolethetv via photopin cc

I joined JKC because I wanted to better care for my physical health, but didn’t really know how, or where, to begin.  Seeking help from a trainer seemed like a wise choice, and I had heard great things about the staff at JKC. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate exercising.  So, I’ve only ever tried sticking with a gym routine twice in my life.  Each experience consisted of me wandering around, not knowing what to do, and settling for an elliptical machine or something else that seemed comfortable and non-threatening.  Each session was the same, and I felt like I was wasting my time.

Each session at JKC, however, is specifically crafted for me.  I don’t have to think about what to do, because I’m told what to do.  I don’t have to worry about how to do things properly, because I’m shown (sometimes multiple times!) how to accomplish each task.  I don’t have to be concerned about slipping into a comfortable routine, because Jon and Thomas won’t let that happen.

I’m 29 and I just had my 3rd Liftiversary 🥳 at JKC. I chose to train here because of the great word on the street and the fact that at lululemon, we’re encouraged to support our local community. My day-to-day routine is very busy, and I love showing up and having to think very little about my workout. The vibes are always good, my music choice is usually accommodated, and the bys are incredibly supportive and compassionate, helping me reach my goals (even when I had a broken hand). I also get to be my weird self, and am embraced fully.

Darlene Parrott-Manning

Personal Strength Training by Jon-Erik Kawamoto

Have to thank both Jon and Thomas for their help with my conditioning this past year. After a major injury in 2020, I tried everything. My foot doctor (Dr. D. Sutton) said there was something missing and recommended Conditioning. I then found JKConditioning and it definitely worked for me. Today September 8, 2024 I completed a Half Marathon in 1 hour and 42 minutes and came First in my age group.
Thank you JKConditioning!!!

I heard somewhere that achieving your health goals is determined largely by what you do in the kitchen. I am grateful to have found Julia who brought direction and accountability to this most important piece for me. Having Julia in my corner has brought me confidence and certainty that I am on my way to achieving my goals. I highly recommend her if you are serious about making a change and feeling better about your health.

Tara Rector-Whelan

Personal Strength Training by Thomas King

I started at JKC after a good friend recommended it to me. She had been coming for about a year and I was envious of her great results. I felt sluggish after failing to motivate myself with various home workout routines. I love the fun and relaxed atmosphere at JKC. It’s such a comfortable gym space and I enjoy knowing so many of the people I work out with. Jon and Thomas make an effort to introduce everyone to each other and with all the joking around,  it starts to feel like a family. Not to mention the awesome results. I’ve always liked to run on a treadmill but I’ve never had the drive to lift weights on my own. Going to JKC makes me accountable which was what I really needed. I feel so much stronger and healthier than I did 4 years ago when I started.

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