If you were an exercise what would it be?

Press up, Squat, Pull up, Stretch, Burpee, Crunch, Bicep curl and the list goes on...

I some times ask my clients, 'if you were an exercise what would it be and why?'. And yes I do get a lot of blank looks, just like our Gorilla friend here. However, there is reason to my madness. I ask this question to help me get some idea of the level of fitness of my potential new client. For example, if some one was to say choose a pull up then that would tell me that they already have a high level of body weight strength with a good dose of muscle. But if this same person also added Burpee and Slam-ball Slams, then I would instantly know that not only do they have a very good standard of fitness but also a good knowledge of fitness training.

As another example should a client categorise themselves as a stretch, this would suggested that I would possibly be training someone who likes to do low impact, low intensity exercise and enjoy a bit of focus to their flexibility too.

Now you're probably now wanting to know what exercise I would be and why? Ooo, now that is a tough question for me as I generally love all exercises, both high and low impact! But if I had to narrow this down to just one exercise I think I would have to be a press up and the reason for my choice is not only do I enjoy doing them but is this a fab upper body strengthener. This exercise also increases your core stability. And, as a press up is a body weight exercise, that can be performed with no equipment which you can do them absolutely anywhere!

Of course there will be some of you that wouldn't have a clue about exercise and won't know the difference between high and low impact exercise, cardiovascular, plyometric or strength exercises. BUT, this is fine as again this will offer me insight on your strength, fitness level, knowledge and experience of exercise and will therefore help me design an exercise program suitable for you and specifically aimed at your level.