Assessing or Guessing
One of the main premises of Paul Chek’s work is “if you’re not assessing, you’re guessing.” As he developed his teaching and training systems it became clear that a person’s unique traits and situations are among the most critical factors to be considered when it comes to program design. Some of these complexities include ancestry, culture, stress, exposure to environmental pollutants, nutrition, hydration, rest, recovery, mindset, etc. Health is a complex situation and it’s very unique to each of us as individuals.
Considering this, it becomes much easier to design a productive program when one has all the necessary information. In today’s health and fitness market it can be difficult to tell the difference in hype and substance when it comes to selecting a gym, trainer, or nutrition plan. The bottom line is, in order to design a program that will produce the desired result, one must be assessed. From there, the data must be evaluated, and then the program can be designed.
To be physically centered refers to a highly developed “length / tension’ relationship. Although it may sound like a complex theorem, it really just means to stretch what’s short and tight, or to strengthen what’s long and loose. Essentially, you’re bringing your physical form back into balance. The same principle applies to lifestyle and environmental factors such as optimal sleep, macronutrient percentages, stress awareness and management, and so on.
“There’s no such thing as a bad exercise, just a poorly prescribed one.” This statement rings true in virtually every school weight room and commercial gym in America. “A workout quite literally works the resources right out of your body. So a visit to the gym may be doing you more harm than good.” The more symptoms of stress (fight or flight) you are feeling then the more dangerous a workout is for you. You will see far greater results by beginning with a “work in” program, as these exercises switch that system off and trigger your rest and recovery system (your parasympathetic nervous system).
Remember, you are your own best therapist, and there’s no substitute for knowledge and awareness when it comes to your training plan and routine. Listen to your body, and honor what it’s asking for. Focus on working back to center and balance in both your training plan and lifestyle, and constantly assess. This concept works no matter your current state, requires only the desire and willingness to be aware, and will produce a lifetime of results.
In health and happiness….
Kennon McArthur – CHEK IMS 1
@catchinglessons on Twitter
References:
How to Eat Move and Be Healthy 2nd edition by Paul Chek 2004
Paul Chek’s Video Blog