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Burn with Kearns: Think outside the box, especially for training – Kevin Kearns
by Kevin Kearns, contributing writer for fitness, exercise
As a strength coach for over 36 years now, I believe in evolving constantly. Every year I try something new and different. Now, to be honest, I was not always that way. I thought years ago that I need a gym to train clients. As I became more seasoned (I don’t believe in saying – old) I realized that as adults we don’t “play” enough outside. Literally, years ago when we trained people, it was outside.
Back in the 70’s I loved the idea of the gym on Venice Beach. Just something about being outside during the good weather makes sense to me. It lifts people’s moods, it’s good for absorbing Vitamin D, and it’s a lot less boring for both clients and trainers. It’s hats off to the bootcamp movement. They were training people outdoors long ago. As well as look at the military, they almost always train outdoors.
Now I live in Boston, and as we say here, if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute. As a Bostonian we live for spring, summer, and fall. I know I do. We I started my personal training business back in 1991, I realized I needed to adapt to having in-home clients. I had to be completely portable, flexible, and adaptable to bringing it in-home and in-office. The rub is who wants to carry around dumbbells and a treadmill all day. That is not practical. So, I developed my own set of gear that I can carry anywhere and anytime, no matter who I am seeing. We call that trainer the “Back Pack” or “Hockey Bag” trainer. My go-to items were, and are, the following.
- Resistance bands – these are awesome because any movement you perform in the gym, we can perform with them. The other benefit is we can also make it more functional by adding full body movements and balance work.
- Ko 8 or other suspension trainer – Suspension training has been a great addition to the market. Now a client can progressively work towards a full pull up as well as the assisted one legged squats and core movements once the feet are in the straps. The KO 8 brings it to another level since you can change from resistance bands to suspension on the fly.
- Medicine ball – ever since they made a comeback in the last 90’s it has added a new dimension to fitness. It’s an excellent device for the core, explosive power, and sport conditioning drills.
- Agility ladder – with the advent of sports specific training, agility ladders have made into the made stream world. We use them as a device not only for agility, but internal cardio work as well. You can couple that with eye, foot, dynamic balance, and proprioceptive demand.
- Focus mitts and boxing gloves – Boxing gyms and MMA is everywhere now. Long held as just a workout for fighters with athletes using it for cross conditioning, why shouldn’t your gen pop use it as well. It’s a full body workout in a short period of time, stress reduction, and awesome anaerobic conditioning. In addition, learning how to hold pads is a workout in itself.
When you look at the items above there’s no reason why other “trainers” such as “trainer on wheels”, “Boot camp trainer”, “beach bod trainer”, or “garage gym trainer” can utilize some of the same gear. As well, the “Hockey bag trainer” can take few items from the latter, as well.
“Trainer on wheels” – this trainer is one that has a van or big SUV. He has
- Weighted sleds – weight sleds are great for explosives and grit training
- Dumbbells – are all around great for everything
- Kettlebells – are a strong tool for both strength training and interval work
- Bosus and alike in his vehicle – Bosus are great for strength, interval work, core training, and sport specific drills
“Boot camp trainer” – is the person that sets up in a park and goes for it.
1. Park benches
2. Bodyweight drills
3. Playground equipment
4. Focus mitts
5. Agility ladders
6. Resistance bands
“Beach bod trainer” – This, to me, sometimes can be the most challenging. Parking can be an issue and getting clients to bring their own equipment would be key.
- Yoga mats
- Pilate balls
- Resistance bands
“Garage Gym trainer” – rolls up to the door to his/her industrial space. They utilize the following
- Truck tires – tries are great for real world lifting strength and hitting with hammers
- Sledge hammers – big and small these are great for developing strength, explosive power, spatial awareness, and grip strength
- Monkey bars – I think every gym should have these. Kids do it with ease. We lose shoulder flexibility and pulling power as we get older. Play the way you train, train the way you play.
- Kettlebells –
- Water jugs – Dynamic fluid resistance has been around for years. Carrying, throwing, and lifting water jugs help build stabilizers and good old-fashioned “farmer strength.”
If, we look at these equipment choices and locations a common formula comes up.
- adaptable
- portable
- multi-use
- multi person
For me I have performed every one of these types of activities. One concept I stress with group type training is “buddy up”. If you can use one piece of equipment for 2 or more people than you add more fun, competitiveness, and lower your equipment costs.
If this is the case, then my go-to items are the following:
- resistance bands
- focus mitts
- agility ladders
- medicine balls
- suspension trainers
- bosu or fitness trampolines
This will round out all the muscles for everyone as well as deliver a functional aerobic, anaerobic and life specific workout.
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Coach Kearns – BurnWithKearns.com – Direct: 508 404 8503
Both of Coach Kearns’ books may be purchased on www.Amazon.com. For more information about Coach Kevin Kearns, including scheduling speaking engagements and classes (both online and in person), please contact him at 508-404-8503 or [email protected].
Author of “There’s Light In The Tunnel” How to Survive and Thrive with Depression – “Always Picked Last“ A guide to navigating bullies on Amazon and Audible
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Coach Kevin Kearns has been coaching in the world of fitness, nutrition, and tactical self defense for over 3 decades. As the former conditioning coach to 15 UFC Pro Fighters, and ranked in the Top 5 in the UFC , he is no stranger to the the importance of proper nutrition and proper mindset programming. He has long advocated to all his clients – athletes or the general population – about the importance of programming mind, body and spirit.
Coach Kevin Kearns BS FMS CPT – Former conditioning coach to 15 UFC Pros Ranked in Top 5 by the UFC Personal Fitness Coach, Author, Columnist, Motivational Speaker, Corporate Wellness Consultant, Youth Wellness Program Provider, Certification Specialist, Personal Self Defense, and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Specialist Www.BurnWithKearns.com.