Hello, I’m Coach Sharm. Over my 24-year career as a personal trainer, and with a Master’s degree in Sports Science, I’ve been privileged to coach countless individuals on their fitness journeys.
My philosophy is simple yet effective. I aim to help my clients achieve double the results, twice as quickly, with half the stress and effort.
It may sound ambitious, but it’s grounded in scientific principles that I break down into a manageable, enjoyable process. Let’s delve into this approach:
1. Understanding Your Unique Physiology
Every person is unique, and this uniqueness extends to our physiology. Our bodies respond differently to various exercises, intensities, and frequencies.
As a trainer with advanced knowledge in exercise physiology, I understand these variances. I conduct thorough assessments to understand your specific physiological responses and tailor training programmes that optimally stimulate your body’s capabilities.
By doing this, we can attain better results faster than a generic workout routine would offer.
Our bodies are governed by an array of scientific principles. For instance, the ‘Principle of Individual Differences’ suggests that everyone has a unique physical and genetic makeup, impacting how our bodies respond to exercise.
Another essential concept is ‘Homeostasis’. Our bodies always strive to maintain a state of balance or equilibrium. Therefore, when we exercise, our bodies must respond and adapt to the changes in equilibrium, which varies from person to person.
Lastly, ‘Bioenergetics’, the study of energy flow through living systems, helps us understand how your body uses energy in different exercises. This knowledge assists in developing efficient workout routines customised to your unique physiology.
2. Applying Exercise Science Principles
Scientific principles are at the heart of my coaching. I implement approaches such as ‘progressive overload’, where we gradually increase the intensity of your workouts, allowing your body to adapt and improve over time.
Another principle I incorporate is ‘periodisation’, where your training is divided into structured phases, allowing for varied intensity and specificity of training. This technique prevents plateaus and promotes faster results.
Within the realm of exercise science, ‘Progressive Overload’ isn’t the only guiding principle. We also take into account the ‘Specificity Principle’, which states that training should be relevant and appropriate to the sport or fitness goals for which the individual is training.
The ‘Overcompensation Principle’ plays a significant role too. This principle explains that when the body is subjected to stress and tension, it adapts by becoming stronger to handle similar stress in the future.
Lastly, the ‘SAID Principle’ (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) states that our bodies adapt over time to the specific demands we place upon them. This is why varied, specific training promotes faster, more targeted results.
3. Fostering Mind-Body Connection
My philosophy goes beyond physical training; it involves nurturing a strong mind-body connection.
When you’re mindful during workouts, you’re better able to engage the right muscle groups and maintain proper form. This mindfulness enhances the efficacy of each exercise, leading to improved results in a shorter time frame.
Here, we refer to the ‘Kinesthetic Awareness’ concept, which is our body’s ability to sense its location and movement. By enhancing your kinesthetic awareness, you can improve your form and the effectiveness of each exercise.
Another relevant theory is the ‘Motor Learning Theory’, which suggests that practice and experience can improve coordination and agility. This theory is beneficial in helping you master new movements or exercises.
Finally, we focus on ‘Neuromuscular Efficiency’, the ability of the nervous system and muscles to work together efficiently. Improved neuromuscular efficiency can lead to better exercise performance and results.
4. Prioritising Rest-Based Training (RBT)
Rest is integral to your fitness journey. In fact, I apply a method called Rest-Based Training (RBT) – an approach that encourages you to work hard so you can rest after a set.
This training style not only maximises results but also reduces stress and effort as it recognises and respects your body’s need for recovery.
overcompensates for the stress placed on it during exercise, resulting in improved performance.
We also consider ‘Catabolism and Anabolism’, two processes in the body’s metabolic cycle that break down and build up molecules, respectively. RBT provides time for anabolism, promoting recovery and growth.
Lastly, the ‘General Adaptation Syndrome’ (GAS) theory helps us understand how stress (including exercise stress) impacts our bodies. Rest and recovery are essential parts of the GAS cycle, ensuring your body effectively adapts to the exercise stress.
5. Implementing Nutritional Strategies
Nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving optimal fitness outcomes. As part of my coaching, I offer guidance on nutritional strategies, ensuring you fuel your body effectively for workouts and recovery.
Understanding and applying the science of nutrition can significantly boost your results and cut down the time it takes to achieve your fitness goals.
‘Dietary Thermogenesis’ is a principle used to understand how consuming protein-rich foods can increase your metabolic rate, aid in weight loss, and improve muscle recovery.
We also explore ‘Glycemic Index’ (GI), which ranks foods based on how they affect your blood sugar levels. Consuming lower GI foods can provide sustained energy for workouts.
Lastly, ‘Macronutrient Timing’ is an essential strategy in sports nutrition. It involves eating specific nutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) in specific amounts at specific times, like before, during, or after exercise, for optimal results.
6. Embracing a Holistic Approach
I believe in a holistic approach to fitness, recognising that it’s not just about the hours you spend exercising.
This philosophy encompasses mental well-being, nutrition, rest, and other lifestyle factors. By improving these areas of your life, you’re more likely to see enhanced results with less stress and effort.
We base this holistic approach on ‘Biopsychosocial Model’, recognising that physical health is intertwined with psychological and social factors.
Then, we consider ‘Circadian Rhythms’, our internal body clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Ensuring a healthy sleep pattern can enhance workout performance and recovery.
Lastly, the concept of ‘Stress Management’ plays a significant role in the holistic approach. Chronic stress can impact both mental and physical health, including workout performance, muscle recovery, and overall well-being.
While the scientific principles that underpin my philosophy might sound complex, my role as your coach is to simplify these for you.
I’m here to translate the science into a personalised, enjoyable training programme, guiding you through your fitness journey.
Remember, achieving your fitness goals needn’t be a gruelling, stressful process. With the right approach and guidance, you can achieve extraordinary results in half the time, and with less stress and effort.
In my two decades as a personal trainer, this philosophy has not only stood the test of time, but it’s been the foundation of countless success stories. I would be honoured to guide you on your journey, too.