Day two of the Chicago Functional Training Summit was a continuation of the first day…filled with great topics and speakers. Here is an overview from the second day.
Day 2
John Brookfield – Battling Ropes Training Systems and Progressions www.battlingropes.com
When it comes to hand/grip strength, John is among he strongest in the world. Much more that that, his system of using heavy ropes is gaining popularity in both training athletes and fitness enthusiast. This hands on session demonstrated progressive techniques, exercises and drills that improve work capacity, mental endurance and generation of power. Personally I love using Battling Ropes with my clients….they are a safe, effective and fun way to deliver a very different mode of training. Clients like it because it is more interesting than traditional exercise and it gets results!
Brett Jones – Dynami = Power www.appliedstrength.com
I first met Brett at the RKC kettlebell certification and later at a strength symposium. In my opinion he has evolved into the thinking man’s strength coach by continuing to advocate developing strength and power without compromise to our primal movement patterns. This not only makes for more sustainability , but ultimately allows for the greatest potential results. In braking down the kettlebell push press, into efficient linking of segments, including various squatting and pressing movements, he outlined a foundational progression from patterning to slow strength to symmetry of strength to power.
Todd Durkin – Creating Maximum I.M.P.A.C.T. in the Fitness Field www.todddurkin.com
With his customary high energy approach, Todd used this acronym to get the attendees to look closely at motivation, goal setting, accountability, mastery and taking action. With consideration of our own mindset, habits and practices we can shape our attitude and create a positive effect our clients, family and even income. Most interesting to me: 100 senior citizens in nursing homes were polled about what they would do differently if they could do it all over again:
- Laugh more
- Spend more time with loved ones
- Take more risks
Alwyn Cosgrove – The complete Action Guide to Fat Loss Programming & Coaching www.alwyncosgrove.com
As the founder of Results Fitness www.results-fitness.com and successful fitness guru, Alwyn Cosgrove knows a thing or two about what works in terms of fat loss. Weight loss is the number one reason people hire a personal trainer yet most trainers still miss the mark. This fact filled and detailed presentation challenged the long held belief that the best type of exercise for fat loss is lower intensity, longer duration. According to actual research and his own findings, best results come from interval metabolic and strength training. We need to consider the effect created by the exercise in the time follow not just during. It’s beyond me why has the rest of the industry hasn’t woken up and ditched the ways that simply do not work.
Charlie Weingroff – Trying to Define the Core www.charlieweingroff.com
Even though this was on day three, I’ve included it. I attended both his talk and hands on session and was impressed with the way he explained and demonstrated what can be a complex and misunderstood issue. The relationship between mobility and stability as it relates to biomechanics, muscles, fascia, nervous system, neurodevelopment, were all covered as well as a closer look at a clear definition of the core. My favorite was the going through the developmental stages in the hands on as an infant grows, learns and masters sensory and motor control. Charlie is definitely making a name for himself in the industry and I look forward to hearing him speak again.