Training out of my garage has brought about a few changes- one of the more pleasant ones being the opportunity to train my mother. Once I had everything cleaned out and the equipment set up, out of nowhere, she asked if I would train her. I had been on her months prior to add in resistance training to her everyday activities, and while she did join the local gym for their classes, she wasn't getting enough resistance work.
She is in her mid 60's and in amazing shape, but her coordination is lacking and her bone density is worsening. At 5'5" 110lbs soaking wet, she's an easy tow for any one of my three mastiffs, and quite frankly, it's bulking season for mum. (My family has a strong Scottish heritage and mum is 'mom' to us. In fact I wasn't even aware of the way I said it until someone pointed it out to me a few years back.)
So I'm grateful that she was excited to work with me, and even more surprised at how consistent and dedicated she is. I get a text every Sunday and every Thursday- "What time are we training tomorrow?" ...from my own mother- awesome!!!
Since her experience is extremely limited (as well as her confidence in training), I started with something simple enough that would hammer the basics but also challenge her coordination.
Part 1
Week 1 Day 1
Goblet squats 3x10
-to a bench with a band around her knees
Kettlebell RDLs 3x10
-Knees against a bench to help pattern the hip hinge
Farmers walks w/ kettlebells 3x 50ft down/back
-Putting the KB's down each time to work on the basics - picking things up and carrying them
Week 1 Day 2
same movements, same weights, 4x10
Week 2 Day 1
same movements, same weights, 5x10
We did these twice a week, for a total of 4 weeks, working up to 10x10 of each. She doubted herself when I said we'd be doing 10x10 of everything before moving on to something else, and on that last day she was all smiles and if you know my mum, "WOWWW I didn't think I'd be able to do that." She's predictable.
Lessons:
#1 - Be positive and patient.
Create a positive environment- I can be cold in my teaching style at times.
Be patient- obviously something to keep in mind with all clients, but your mother especially.
#2 - Give beginners an easy win.
10x10 sounds like a lot to a beginner, but you know based on your coaching experience that this will be well within their grasp.
#3 - Find their boundaries and push them
Create a program that is just outside of their comfort zone. For example, she hates squats because they're hard, but heavier box squats aren't so bad in her mind. (Zone of Proximal Development style)
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