What is my training system?

Connor has asked:

"What is your system, or what has it Evolved into?

Do you consciously have one?

It's a mix of runner/kettlebells/strength/Indian clubs/AiM/dogs/forest and so on, and how they all intertwine into what Dave does with people, injured or healthy.

I think that would be interesting."

How nice a question is this?

First off, what I do isn't what I make my clients do.

And that is because what I do is for me, not anyone else.

Just as if I gave Connor a program, I wouldn't follow it, as it would be for him, not me.

My "system" for my clients is essentially based around meeting them where they are and building them to where they want to be.

It's not dependent on tools, such as Indian Clubs or Kettlebells.

In fact here is where Paul Cox's words ring through back around 2005 when he and I were kicking around the concept of Wild Geese.

"I want people to understand that it's not about a style or a system, it's about an attitude!"

Which I adopted in many of my posts and emails with the slightly more catchy "attitude is everything"

My system really is about helping bring out that attitude.

Which is why I love the Anatomy in Motion (AiM) principles and it's "Flow Motion Model"

AiM is a set of principles on human movement, which extrapolates out across mind and spirit.

The Flow Motion Model (FMM) is a "map" of that movement that helps us figure out limitations and/or aberrations and figure out our interventions.

That's a lot of big words.

Basically, because of the FMM I can look at your foot Motion and make an educated guess as to what your shoulder is or isn't doing.

Then, we talk about how you like to exercise and train, what kit you have etc.

For some, they go to a fully kitted out gym 4 days per week for an hour at a time.

Others have 30 minutes on their lunch break, 1 kettlebell and a resistance band.

Some want to run, others hate running and would rather poke their eyes out.

And you know what?

That is all good.

You are you, none of you are me, or the next person.

So why would I have you train as I train?

Now, I do think Connor is looking for a snapshot of how I do train though. So let's give you a look at what Dave does.

I no longer work in a gym, since leaving Dublin and my Wild Geese facility, I now spend a lot of time on a computer doing online training and zoom calls.

I have full access to the local Hurling Club gym, and at home I have a Bulgarian Bag, some kettlebells, Indian Clubs, a Mace, running shoes and a 1 Yr old Border Collie called Meg.

I'm also a 48 yr old father of teenage boys

My training changes as the seasons change. In the winter I tend to be more gym based, and in the better weather more outside.

With the Bulgarian Bag, I usually do a conditioning set combined with some running.

Kettlebells, varies depending on how I feel. Swings and Push Ups, or mace and push ups are common post run.

Running, I do 2 sessions in a week. One interval and one steady, Meg accompanies me and loves it.

And I may also do another run should the mood take me and the old beaten up ankle is game ball.

Strength is once or twice per week in good weather, 2-4 in bad weather.

Let's lay it out:

Mon: Usually strength day, Usually from my TrainHeroic App workout of the day, I may look for a strength session if it's not presented for that day.

Friday: Bulgarian Bag outdoors with running

Run 2x/week, with a 20 minute home session afterwards.

Walk: daily with dig

Other stuff:

Ad hoc Run to my clinic/office to do online and zoom, then run home again. You can’t smell me through zoom!

Second gym session, again using my app

Indian Clubs just come out to play whenever I'm not doing much else in the kitchen.

Stretch and AiM rehab - anytime/anywhere I happen to be and have a minute or two.

Honestly, I am so long in the habit of training, with body awareness and expertise, that I don’t have to think too much about it, which is why my example maybe isn't that useful to you.

The key really is to move a lot.

Usually at a low intensity

Lift heavy a couple of times a week

And elevate the heart rate a couple of times per week.

It's simple

Not easy.

Regards

Dave Hedges

www.davehedges.net