The best way to ensure the process of progressing pull-ups goes smoothly is to assess and address mobility issues first. Joint mobility is the degree to which an articulation (where two bones meet) is allowed to move before being restricted by surrounding tissues...
Michele Rogers
NFPT Publisher Michele G Rogers, MA, NFPT-CPT and EBFA Barefoot Training Specialist manages and coordinates educational blogs and social media content for NFPT, as well as NFPT exam development. She’s been a personal trainer and health coach for over 20 years fueled by a lifetime passion for all things health and fitness. Her mission is to raise kinesthetic awareness and nurture a mind-body connection, helping people achieve a higher state of health and wellness. After battling and conquering chronic back pain and becoming a parent, Michele aims her training approach to emphasize fluidity of movement, corrective exercise, and pain resolution. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Health Psychology from Northern Arizona University. Follow Michele on Instagram.
Assessing Shoulder Internal/External Rotation for Pull-ups
The glenohumeral (shoulder) joint requires balanced and adequate external rotation to perform a pull-up effectively. Assessing the performance of both internal and external rotator muscles will address mobility issues first so that progressions are successful and...
Assessing Scapular Rotation For Pull-Ups
The scapulae need rhythm and symmetry to allow for adequate motion when performing pull-ups. Assessing scapular rotation before progressing to an independent pull-up sets your client up for better results and reduced risk of shoulder injury. There are three joint...
Assessing Thoracic Mobility For Pull-Ups
Thoracic mobility is crucial for proper pull-up performance, allowing for proper scapular motion, and hence, optimal shoulder movement. Assessing thoracic mobility and latissimus dorsi length is the first of three assessments to implement when training a client toward...
What To Do if a Client Crosses a Line
Developing close, personal relationships with clients can cause problems and awkward situations that you didn't anticipate even though getting personal is essential to your role as a trainer. There is a subtlety in striking the balance between establishing rapport and...
Barefoot Training Basics for Personal Trainers
Do you train with your shoes off or see others doing so? Maybe at first, you just scratched your head and worried that the barefoot girl at your gym doing deadlifts might inadvertently crush her naked, little toes. You may now know that removing your clients’ shoes...
How To Do Pull-Ups
Pull-Up Emphasis A pull-up is a compound pull exercise that works a large number of muscles in your back, shoulders, and arms including the lats, lower trapezius, posterior deltoids, and biceps. Starting Position Grip the bar with a firm overhand grip. Make sure your...
How to Do a Close Grip V-Bar Lat Pulldown
If you want to become a personal trainer, or perhaps are one already, there are many movements you will have to know like the back of your hand. Luckily, most movements are just different variations of the same exercise. The close grip lat pulldown using a V-bar...
What is “Branding”
“Brand” or “branding” are words that are growing in popularity and lessening in true understanding. And the truth is, it is one of the most important aspects of any business, large or small. What exactly is it, what does it mean? And how does it affect a small...