Client of 2012! A snowboarder gets his Christmas wish

As a trainer, i have the privilege of working with goals and dreams.  I analyze discrepancies, muscle imbalances, core weakness, and commitment.  Achieving your dreams requires all...commitment, strength  and humility.

This year, I crown Mark as the client of the 2012...here's his story and what he has overcome..

Mark is an educated and accomplished financial director working for a Fortune 100 company.  He works long days and nights.  He also has a wife and 2 children and is able to stay connected to his family's daily activities and events.  He spends quality time with his family and extended family and has taken time to help his elderly mother.

Aside from his responsibility to his family and work, he is equally passionate about his health, fitness, and strength.  and THAT is the key, the essence of his success.   He wants to stay, feel, and be strong.  He can bench his weight and pull his weight.  Over the summer, his aching hip which was a nuiance, turned into a sharp pain in the middle of the night. and in September, Mark (after long thoughtful discussion and deliberation) had his hip replaced.  The only thing he was worried about was snowboarding in the Winter...

He came back to train in October, just 4 weeks after his surgery with hopes to snowboard after Christmas.  we had a lot of work to do...

Oct 15-30 - work on core strength, hip strength, and balance; increase hip range of motion (ROM)
sample: one-legged exercises.  bridge/chest exercises with a stability ball (SB) to challenge core, gluts and hip strength.  side leg lifts with band.  squat with limited resistance.  high intensity - battle rope, bench, pullups.  

Nov 1-15 - increase resistance on hip motion, core and balance.
sample: squats on bosu with balancing movements (e.g. twists), plank exercises on SB, TRX reverse lunges to balance.   RIP Trainer - straight arm twists.  MORE high intensity - battle rope, bench, pullups.  

Nov 15-dec 15 - bring it on!!!  high intensity, limited recovery.  Fatigue legs and hips.
sample: heavy squats with heel raises for 45 sec followed by turning squat jumps followed by SB plank & SB pike, TRX plank, Bosu obliques crunches.    also included upper body exercises.

On Dec 20th, Mark saw his doctor who gave him the green light to snowboard. :)

I'm happy to report that Mark is currently in Mammoth, snowboarding on a new hip.  When I asked how he felt..he said

" You could not have got me more prepared.  Was an awesome day with awesome conditions.  My leg has held up way better than expected.  Can't wait for tomorrow"

Mark - I'm so proud of you and your commitment.  and for all those Mark's out there..stay strong and focused!

Train hard, Train smart
A very happy trainer