Use Your Chi Damn it!
I chose that title because over the last couple of months I’ve been feeling that using the word core is far too limiting to what I’m looking for my clients to possess, which is a mastery of their movements under duress. Of the many definitions of the word chi, I find that defining it as a general term for ‘a vital energy that exists everywhere’ is appropriate enough for a simple NYC personal trainer such as myself.
The word core has come to mean your trunk, abs, lower back and glutes, but I’ve noticed that if my clients continually lock their knees or shrug their shoulders while training it is near impossible to engage these ares effectively to gain strength and balance. For me to use the word core is selling my clients short of valuable information, but it’s also much harder for me to teach. One of the best ways for me to teach this harnessing technique is through a simple hip thrust forward during standing exercises. One must be relaxed at the joints in order to allow your energy to flow effectively. Some might call the method I use cheating or using momentum, but it’s much more. It’s learning to balance the intense energy required during exercise with a relaxed state in order to complete the task at hand. When I train myself and my clients I train their whole bodies, not just their chest or biceps. I’m going to include a video for this technique within the next few weeks. Until then TRAIN HARD, relax, NAMASTE!!!!!!
Hal Miller, Personal Trainer & Owner
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