South Bay Personal Trainer Jessica Manning

When you are working with a trainer, know that we have both big and small picture goals running through our mind at all times. Sometimes in a jovial way, my longterm clients will say “whyyyy are we doing this weird wonky adductor (inner thigh) activation?!” I figured it may be helpful to fill you in on the “why” behind exercise selection.

Your sessions and programs have been chosen while carefully considering all the following:

Your comfort level. Despite the narrative that says “get uncomfortable” - you do, in fact, need to be comfortable. What that means is you need to feel a connectivity in your body, a softness in your joints, an activation of the right muscles and to feel SAFE. So, yes you can do hard things that are uncomfortable because they are challenging, but you should never feel vulnerable to injury or in any position that sets off your nervous system. You should feel safe, strong, capable, and comfortable with your trainer.
Functionality. We want you to be able to move well in your life without risking injury. We’ve seen many clients start with us after their previous injuries, and have heard about how the injuries have compromised their quality of life and held them back from things they love. Injuries are not worth it. Moving with strength and ease is important, so, functional movement patterns will always be prioritized in your personal training sessions. Plus, no matter what age you are when you train, we want to make sure you never get stuck on a toilet and unable to get off by yourself :)
Your goals! If your goals are to have a stronger, perkier butt, be aware that you may have to do some smaller glute muscle activations, deep core activations and mind body exercises ON TOP OF the larger glute players in order to fulfill your goals. You can’t just squat and lunge all day. Move in different planes, get the small and the large muscles working together, and you will have the best glutes ever. That’s a promise!
Your overall health. This means your cardiorespiratory system, your hormonal health, your vestibular health, your mental health — if we know of tweaks here and there that are going to improve these components, we’re going to include them. When it comes to benefitting your body and health, we want it all. Understanding interconnectivity is vital, and remains an integral thread to our approach.

Do not ever be afraid to ask your trainer why a certain exercise has been programmed, whether it’s in your self-led program or within your actual sessions. Your trainer should have several good reasons why a certain exercise has been selected. So much more goes into session structuring than many understand. We bring your health history, goals, specific biomechanics, emotional well-being and bang-for-buck into consideration at every meeting. We want you to get your results quickly, but without missing a beat. Without skipping over the important stuff.

We balance how you feel, with how you look (to yourself), with how you perform.

For professionals, it’s complex and simple at the same time. We are meticulous, and yet direct.

For you, you should feel clear about your body, your strength and your progress. Always, always ask.