IzzoStrength and Performance

This Blog has Moved!

2009-12-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

This blog has moved. It has also changed titles. Please update your bookmarks and check out the new blog, prmoising to be jam-packed with the same great information. "Life of a Personal Trainer" is now John Izzo's Trainer Advice.

Link: http://traineradvice.blogspot.com

2009 Recap

2009-12-24T07:15:00.000-08:00

2009 has been an incredible year for me. In my personal life, I married a great woman and we have begun our lives together. 2009 had some ups and downs, however, I was preoccupied with plans for my wedding and producing my last DVD product Shatterproof Spine. A bit different than my previous video, Shatterproof Spine hit upon a topic that I feel is a very important in obtaining new clients and retaining old ones. 80% of the American population suffers from some sort of low back pain and discomfort; so why not develop a product that addresses the specific concerns of this debilitating condition? Shatterproof Spine is a lecture and practical using the works of Stuart McGill--renowned low back expert--and applying his findings and research to training.

Over the course of the year I have received tons of great feedback regarding the blog. Most of you have enjoyed the many diverse topics I have posted including:

Are You Still Learning?
Getting Rid of Chubbiness
Basics 101: The Hip Hinge
When a Client Teaches a Trainer
Staying Power in Personal Training

My training business has seen a rise in production too. I have learned how to attract new clients through effective marketing and closing skills. I have acquired a number of clients with multiple issues that need addressing with corrective exercise programming and proper cueing. As the year went on, so did the learning process. Its funny how much you can continuously learn more about your craft if you know where to look. This year I finished a number of books, including:

Dave Tate's Raising the Bar

Power Posture: The Foundation of Strength

Starting Strength (2nd edition)

Never Let Go: A Philosophy of Lifting, Living and Learning

...and I have begun to read Coach Boyle's newest book:

Advances in Functional Training: Training Techniques for Coaches, Personal Trainers and Athletes

I have had the opportunity to interview many strength coaches and fitness professionals that I admire--most of which have had a profound effect on my own training and approach to program design. Some of the coolest interviews I have conducted this year include:

Eric Cressey
JC Santana
Keith Scott
Mike Robertson
Robert Dos Remedios

In 2009, I also completed another project with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. This new project entails helping young trainers develop the essential business skills to become more profitable and potent in their job hunting endeavors.

I envision 2010 becoming a "break out" year for me. As wedding plans are now over, I can now fully concentrate on my business, training, and continuing education to help further me more and more into this profession that I truly love. I can't wait to share it with all of you! Be on the lookout for more great content in over the next 12 months.

Tony G. Interview

2009-12-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

This The blog will be undergoing some major changes in the next couple of weeks. As you can see, the name will change and I am hoping to get it running on a different platform to accommodate more interaction with my readers. Keep checking back to this blog for updates and a new web address. In the midst of this all, there are the holidays. I want to wish you all a very safe and happy holiday season and hope to continue to accommodate your reading pleasure.

In the meantime, here is a GREAT interview I conducted with Tony Gentilcore of Cressey Performance. Tony is an amazing writer and an even better fitness professional. He is one of a few blogs I read on a daily basis. His writing captures my full attention every time and I learn something new from him every time. Check out our interview here.

Dowager's Hump

2009-12-03T20:16:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago, I finished a book aptly names "Power Posture", by Lee Parore. It is a very good book that really emphasizes strengthening the body's center base (pelvis to thoracic spine). When you really think about it, having optimal posture is about protecting the spine during movement. The spine serves as the chassis for the human body and we are only as strong, erect, and powerful as the condition of the spine is. That is why most corrective exercise emphasizes on maintaining an optimal posture and strengthening any weak links to ensure that the spine is maintained through physical activity and life.

The book also touched up upon something that I have been seeing my some of my overweight patients--mostly women up-wards in age--that I think most of you have seen.