Tailoring sessions to your ability
When I first started training I'd walk into the gym and If it didn't "feel right" I'd leave.
It took working with the right trainer to modify how and where I was exercising then a further understanding of my unique nuerotype to get to a place where I was comfortable having good exercise session, that took a lot of trial and error.
I usually do great now but sometimes still It can be intimidating doing a class (or 1:1 with trainer), maybe in an unfamiliar place, I still find myself a little intimidated by things like knowing there are secure lockers, if the bathroom is accessible mid session or how noisy a location will be.
As I developed into a trainer I've always had a priority of modifying my classes & workouts to meet the unique needs of my clients and I came across this little acronym that helped me be even better at it called "TREE"
How does TREE model work for modifying workouts?
By working through each point as an trainer I'm able to ensure that I'm checking with my clients that the session works for their specific needs giving us the oportunity to modify and adapt to everyones individual abilities.
- T - Teaching/Cueing - This is how I approach communication with my experience as a teacher to make sure the method I'm using work for a client rather than a one size fits all approach. Examples: Visual demos to acompany verbal instructions, placards, tactile adjustments, "internal" or "external" cuesabout how something should feel.
- R - Rules - Most can be bent with the right intent, this is where all the reps, intensity and overall structured live. It's so important to communicate what can be modified and what can be optional. Examples: I always give my clients permission to rest without the pressure of pushing themselves with something that isn't right for them, offering adjustments of rep ranges, time or providing alternative exercises to suit someones body and allowing people to comfortably build into a challenge rather than using "smash it" as a standard structure.
- E - Equipment - The right tools for the job, ever use a machine and it just didn't feel quite right for you? We're unique and some of us need a little personalised allignment or different tools to get a good workout Examples: Using seats or supports for exercises rather than standing, exercise bands , having towels or thicker mats can come be handy if you're doing floor exercises for your back and knees.
- E - Environment - This is my PET PEEVE, Gym's are so intense! Saying "the light's are loud and the sound is bright" might seem strange but many of us experience overload like this! Pair this with crowds and it can be very overwhelming. Examples: Finding more subdued quieter areas of a gym such as a group fit area not in use, dimining the lights of music if I have control, doing workouts outside and/or using noise cancelling headphones.
There are many examples that could be included in this list to help tailor sessions to all sorts of bodies, capacities and abilities, while each approach is unique using TREE to make sure an activity is inclusive and adaptable as it can be helps make sure everyone can participate comfortably, as a trainer I'm always learning with my clients to deliver sessions that meet their goals and work specifically for their needs.