First thing I should say is that if you haven’t made it down to the OLF Training Center, do it soon. The OLF team have transformed an old warehouse into an incredible arena for physical development with just about every toy you can imagine including:
- Kettlebells
- Olympic Lifting Platforms
- Bars and Plates
- Free-weights – Dumbbells, barbells etc
- Indian Clubs
- Club Bells
- Power Rack, Bench Press, Benches and Cables
- Bulgarian Bags
- Gladiator Walls
- High Intensity Speed Training Equipment
- Power Bags
- Battling ropes
- Boxing Bags, Heavy, Thai, Combination bags
- Suspension Training
- Gymnastic Rings
- Ropes
- MMA Cage
The course itself lived up to the impressive surroundings, excellently delivered by instructor Tommy Matthews. We spent the first part of the day discussing the history of suspension training (it is not a new phenomenon like many would believe) and its applications. Which amongst others included:
- Assessing posture whist moving
- Fundamental movement patterns
- Joint balance and range of motion
- Strength and conditioning
- Movement through myofascial lines
Before long we headed out onto the gym floor and began the practical element of the day. We kicked things off with the aforementioned myofascial line mobilisation including moves to get the superficial front line, back line, lateral line, front arm line and spiral line fired up and moving effectively. After some more movement prep work we moved into the strength exercises split into the fundamental movement categories (lower body, push, pull and trunk.)
I have been training with suspension trainers for quite some time but this was still a really good refresher on how great a training tool they are. One of the reasons I rate them so highly is their versatility. A suspension trainer allows you to regress exercises to a level whereby a complete novice can train safely and effectively, then at the other end of the spectrum you can manipulate the leverage and balance points of certain movements to challenge even the most hardened of athletes.
- Think you can’t do a pull up? You can with a suspension trainer.
- Think you can’t do a full motion squat? You can with a suspension trainer.
- Think push ups are too easy? Try suspension push ups or dips.
As the afternoon progressed there was no let up in the training, we covered all sorts of progressions for each movement category before finishing with the AST challenge and sample workout routines. My muscles were certainly thankful when the last rep was finally completed.
Overall, this was another excellent course by the OLF Team and one that I would have no problem recommending to any trainer out there looking to diversify their skill set. The stuff you learn on the course has applications that reach much further than suspension training alone.
Thanks again to Tommy Matthews and all the other course attendees for providing a great days training!
To learn more about the Optimal Life Fitness team and the courses they offer or to find about how you can train at the OLF Training Center click on the image below.
PS - If you are new to suspension training and want to check out some sample exercises check out the exercise library on this website which includes a section of suspension training exercises.
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