Hey guys,

This past week, Karen and I drove down to Seattle for The IDEA Personal Trainer Institute Conference.

It was a great opportunity to hit a fitness conference a little closer to home. In the past, we’ve had the opportunity to go to seminars in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and by this point I figure us seasoned conference goers.

So, why do we go to these things???

To BE better everyday, so that your experience and your results get that little bit better everyday. If I see the chance to improve Bootcamp Effect, I’m going to take it. I want our bootcamp and training facility to be world class!

And by the sounds of it, we’re on our way. It’s always great to see that we are on point with our outlook and fitness programming, and of course, it is always good to be reminded of the little things (which of course are the BIG THINGS!)

Here’s a summary of the event and some take home lessons:

1. Being the first people in Canada to own the Rebar (a 10lb training bar). Yes, that’s right, I’m bringing back a few toys… The owner of the company was stoked, so he took a picture of us and put it up on his page. These will be a great addition to our barbell arsenal, as you will be able to use them for any exercise for which the weight is under 100lbs.

See that picture below… Guess how much weight are on those bars!

2. Working with the creator of the TRX Rip Trainer. It’s always cool to work with someone who has invented a mainstream product. We did a workshop on TRX training for Body Transformation. It reaffirmed how great of a tool the TRX is and how effectively it can be scaled for a variety of fitness levels. Anyone who says the TRX is easy, isn’t fully engaging in the exercise (most likely by not squeezing their abs). I was surprised to say this, as I have worked out a lot on the TRX, but this workout made me sore!!! I am currently shopping for more TRX. 🙂

3. The Dynamax Boot Camp Revolution seminar was Karen’s favorite and simultaneously the most challenging of the workshops. We worked with the Director of Education for Dynamax Medicine Balls and went over how the ball was intended to be used in a high velocity, explosive fast twitch manner. Because no matter what age or ability you are, you need to work on power development! You’re going to be surprised in May how we are going to utilize this equipment (especially the 4 new ones I am bringing back)…

Here’s the 10 recognized general physical skills for your reference created by the founder of Dynamax. You are as fit as you are competent in each of these ten skills.

1. Cardiovascular/respiratory endurance
2. Stamina
3. Strength
4. Flexibility 
5. Power – The ability to apply maximum force in minimum time.
6. Speed – The ability to minimize the time cycle of a repeated movement.
7. Coordination – The ability to combine several distinct movement patterns into a singular distinct movement.
8. Agility – The ability to minimize transition time from one movement pattern to another.
9. Balance – The ability to control the placement of the bodies center of gravity in relation to its support base.
10. Accuracy – The ability to control movement in a given direction or at a given intensity

These 10 skills can be categorized as skills that progress through training (skills 1-4) and skills that progress through practice (skills 7-10) and skills that progress through a combination of both training and practice (skills 5 & 6).  Training is considered physical adaptation to exercise stress, getting stronger and running longer.  Training produces a physical change in the body like more muscle and a leaner frame.  Practice is a neurological adaptation to exercise.  This can be seen when a bootcamp member acquires skills like double unders.  Power and speed are usually hallmarks of exceptional fitness and take both training and practice to develop.

4. Power is Earned. If you can’t be accurate, you don’t get to use power. A great mantra for our gym, whether it pertains to med ball throws, snatches, or even kb swings. And whether “accurate” means actually being accurate or perfecting technique. There is no rush to progress to the end point. Hammer the basics hard, creating great movement and then create that great body!

5. 10 years of being in bad alignment or posture will catch up with you. Start making your form perfect so you can counteract it if applicable. You don’t want to throw your back out bending over to put dishes in the dishwasher! (Just a sidenote)

6. Working with my man TD (Todd Durkin), for the 3rd time. This guy was an inspiration to me when I first got certified watching his videos and in a sense has had an influence on your lives as well. Todd owns and operates a gym in San Diego, and trains an army of professional athletes including Superbowl MVPs Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers. TD is the reason you do seal jacks, pogo hops, gate swings to name a few bootcamp exercises… He stressed the importance of enough rest period in workouts and reminded me that great coaches tell you things you need to hear but don’t want to hear.

7. Being able to go to a conference and work out all day! It’s amazing to be able to do that! (Technically I sat out on the med ball workshop to take detailed notes and stretch – IMPORTANT POINT – know when it is more effective to rest than workout!) Karen on the other hand beasted through a 9-5 workout workday with a 1 hour break for lunch!

8. Realizing that I think it is time to stop being an attendee at these things and start presenting. You can always learn more, but my next stage of growth is pushing me in this direction. I can think of no better group of people to start presenting to than my bootcamp family. I will be putting on workshops and seminars on a variety of topics soon.

Best,
Josh Saunders
The Bootcamp Effect