Work Out
or who are new to exercise. Abusive commands and painful exercises
priority. I like to see clients improve at a pace that’s optimal for their
may yield temporary results, but they’re unlikely to be sustainable.
stage of fitness by giving them a task they can accomplish. This makes
The self-esteem and self-efficacy of these clients needs to be built up,
them want to work hard for me and, ultimately, for themselves.
not broken down by an un-empathetic and judgmental mindset. The
Operational readiness for a soldier demands being fit across all
exponential power of mind, body, and spirit is integral to success and
energy systems that range from maximum strength to endurance. The
part of my core principles for healthy living. Although I don’t force these
TLSB program is an effective way to achieve such well-rounded fitness
elements on my clients, I truly believe that physical fitness is a critical
because classes are based primarily on full-body functional movements
part of accessing ones higher self.
that mimic the tasks required of a soldier. The compound movements
Consisting of about 10 participants, these corporate men and
of squatting, lunging, pulling, pushing, and carrying are done in a
women range in age and fitness levels. In line with my military training,
progressive manner for each individual and are known to achieve fast
every bootcamp begins and ends with the fitness test used in the
results, especially in relation to losing fat and gaining strength.
military to establish minimum fitness standards. Evaluating push-
Programming these movements in a variety of class formats while
ups, sit-ups, and handgrip strength is one way to chart participant’s
building the intensity and complexity of performance improves both
individual progress, and it provides them with a means to compare
strength and fitness capacity. Participants don’t know what to expect
their scores with the military minimum requirements to see if they
each class . . . other than hard work!
“have what it takes.” It also allows me to assess each person’s current
Another thread of authenticity that I bring is through the formal
fitness level, in order to target movements unique to their capacity.
commands and rank systems used for directing platoons. This is
The key to good instruction is observing each participant and providing
where we play an assertive military version of “Simon says,” in which
them with challenging options at the right time. Whether the group is
the group moves promptly in unison in response to my commands.
doing timed circuits, partner work, or a heavier lift, it’s always at a pace
An example would be having the group stand at strict attention in
or level of difficulty appropriate for them. Safety and technique are top
ranks and move as quickly as possible into a push-up after hearing
56
WWW.SWEATEQUITYMAGAZINE.COM | Summer 2012