tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79432364705449311172010-01-07T20:37:00.546-05:00A blog dedicated to offering content helpful to personal trainers on topics such as professional and personal growth; advanced exercise program design, client interaction, job hunting skills and general ramblings.John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-19440900760105908322010-01-06T06:15:00.001-05:002010-01-06T06:15:00.651-05:00

Question: Hello, my name is Dave. I'm 14 and in the 9th grade and my whole life I've been the fat kid, and although, I'm not super obese or anything, everybody's made fun of me for it including my family. My goal is to lose at least 25 lbs. before summer because I just cant take the teasing it anymore. Can you get me started in the right direction? Thanks. - David W., Burlington, VT Answer:

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-23159984777465557972010-01-04T06:43:00.004-05:002010-01-04T06:43:00.474-05:00

Question: Hi John, I have 2 quick questions. I am a trainer trying to expand my business into corporate fitness-do you have any tips or tricks to get corporate fitness accounts. Also-do you give a free first session-why or why not? If no-what do you say to a potential client who wants a free session? Thank You, JD   Answer: Hi JD, Thanks for the email. I worked in corporate fitness for

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-5739912712859497712009-12-30T07:12:00.001-05:002009-12-30T10:12:29.815-05:00

Question: Hi John, I'm 23 years old and traditionally have been a runner. I don't have a lot of muscle mass and would like to begin more training to build more mass and strength. I have been doing mostly circuit workouts with dumbbells in the home. I'm really wondering how often I should work out a week. I've been doing the same circuit basically every other day. I'll do curls, upright row, push

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-53555239191316028692009-12-28T07:23:00.004-05:002009-12-28T07:23:00.299-05:00

Welcome to the new blog. I have titled it John Izzo's Trainer Advice for one simple reason: to help personal trainers entering the field to make the best decisions to enhance their career and personal growth as a developing professional. Since my first website in 2005, I have received countless emails and inquiries from people looking for more information on how to become a personal trainer. It

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-52134200829576599892009-12-23T12:47:00.000-05:002009-12-23T12:47:58.752-05:00

The blog will be undergoing some major changes in the next couple of weeks. As you can see, the name will change and I am hoping to get it running on a  different platform to accommodate more interaction with my readers. Keep checking back to this blog for updates and a new web address. In the midst of this all, there are the holidays. I want to wish you all a very safe and happy holiday season

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-30513693216786113462009-12-21T06:43:00.001-05:002009-12-21T06:43:00.534-05:00

Besides it being Christmas week and the Northeast finally got hit with its first official "blizzard" of 2009, there is a HUGE change happening with this blog. As you can see, being "snowed in" all day Sunday allowed me to sit down and accomplish some projects that I have had sitting on the back burner. The first big change is the name and layout of this blog. I love the name of "A Day in the Life

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-74509282591745068952009-12-17T07:03:00.001-05:002009-12-17T07:03:00.262-05:00

2009 has been an incredible year for me. In my personal life, I married a great woman and we have begun our lives together. 2009 had some ups and downs, however, I was preoccupied with plans for my wedding and producing my last DVD product Shatterproof Spine. A bit different than my previous video, Shatterproof Spine hit upon a topic that I feel is a very important in obtaining new clients and

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-19014320571499242492009-12-14T06:49:00.000-05:002009-12-14T06:49:00.399-05:00

My training business has been on a steady growth for me the last year and I think it correlates with my growth as a person. The more I learn about training, exercise programing, and the human body, the better I can serve the customers that come to me. My on-line business has also grown the last 12 months, and it is no surprise that most of the on-line relationships I have developed with other

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-7643875787410624012009-12-09T08:35:00.000-05:002009-12-09T08:35:43.279-05:00

I receive alot of emails regarding some of my articles and my writing style. Albeit,  I am still a student of the game and writing is an ongoing development, I do use certain sources to draw my inspiration and ideas from. I want to pass that information along to you. If you are interested in sharing your work with others, it is important to provide quality content. Many people ask me how do I

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-18888581721986522792009-12-07T06:27:00.000-05:002009-12-07T06:27:00.368-05:00

NAME: Cuban Press LEVEL: Intermediate PREREQUISITES: Good shoulder health with no apparent pain from impingement, tendonosis, or joint inflammation. PRECAUTIONS: Risk of impingement is high during the first phase of cuban press (up phase). However, external rotators will be isolated and strengthen with this exercise. Dumbbells may be used, if barbell causes pain within shoulder. Izzo's

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-36300303070318586302009-12-02T06:48:00.005-05:002009-12-04T07:39:12.973-05:00

A few weeks ago, I finished a book aptly names "Power Posture", by Lee Parore. It is a very good book that really emphasizes strengthening the body's center base (pelvis to thoracic spine). When you really think about it, having optimal posture is about protecting the spine during movement. The spine serves as the chassis for the human body and we are only as strong, erect, and powerful as the

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-39569569325119845772009-11-30T07:09:00.001-05:002009-12-01T10:56:52.695-05:00

Returning from seven days on a cruise ship is tough. For 7 days, 3200 vacationers, newlyweds, and retirees are pampered and treated to the most exquisite gluttony desires while sailing the ocean blue to exciting exotic islands. Let me be honest with you and tell you that I took full advantage of what the cruise had to offer...plenty of food, booze, and sun. It was my honeymoon for crying out loud

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-82629124151915546572009-11-25T07:00:00.000-05:002009-11-25T07:00:07.366-05:00

Just want to wish everyone a great Thanksgiving holiday. I know its cliché to simply write "think of all the things you are thankful for in life", but I want to tell you something differently. I have been really getting into the work of Les Brown--a motivational speaker that I discovered while reading Eric Beard's blog--and I want you to be thankful for one thing in your life. Along with your

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-20600975039979356712009-11-23T06:36:00.000-05:002009-11-23T06:36:00.523-05:00

There is so much talk of entrepreneurs in personal training lately, that you can't help but want to find out more. The sheer idea of running your own business doing what you love is extremely attractive and has the potential to be very lucrative. Or is it?It depends.From time to time, I venture onto craigslist.org to find some clients or put out some "feelers" for people that are looking for

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-30692195900596549772009-11-19T07:00:00.000-05:002009-11-19T07:00:08.969-05:00

Is this a dangerous position?I don't see it performed often; but when I do, I can't help but redirect my attention away from the person performing it. What does this position accomplish? In my experience, I have seen it popular among two groups of people: yoga enthusiasts and basketball players. The pose, called the "Yoga Plow" is popular in classes where mostly females contort their bodies (or

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-60113505961465761152009-11-16T06:55:00.002-05:002009-11-16T06:55:00.289-05:00

Another question I have received....Does the type of personality a client or athlete possess influence the way you design their program or a workout? How so?Short answer? Yes. I always take the client's personality into account when I design a program. Everyone is different and they should be treated differently. I wouldn't train a soccer player the same as a golfer, or a male the same as a

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-10133089625951957392009-11-11T06:15:00.005-05:002009-11-11T06:15:00.681-05:00

It has been a crazy weekend for me so I apologize for the delay. Although I have a GREAT excuse: I was married this past weekend!!! So you can imagine where my time was spent ;)I have a week before I leave for my honeymoon, so I wanted to address some emails that I have gotten over the course of the past couple of weeks: QUESTION: "I am a certified personal trainer and I have interviewed with a

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-84088320661363246522009-11-06T06:12:00.003-05:002009-11-06T06:12:00.215-05:00

Today is a BIG Day. Tomorrow is a BIGGER day. Yep...my wedding day. Sorry, no original blog post today. Today, I've got to run and make sure that every "t" is crossed and every "i" is dotted. Today is the day I make sure every vendor is all set and every detail is met. Saturday I will wed the woman who stole my heart.: the person who challenges me, comforts me, and accepts me for who I am.See you

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-64183823000708642042009-11-04T06:39:00.002-05:002009-11-04T06:39:00.280-05:00

Another installment in my Trainer Professionalism Provisions....Looking People in the EyeI meet many young eager trainers on a monthly basis.My current intern does great with me. He sits with me for about 60 minutes a week and we go over exercise programming, communication, and client "handling". The other day, I had him go over some forms at the main desk--where the facility entrance is--and

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-31448390833481674502009-11-02T06:44:00.005-05:002009-11-02T06:44:00.709-05:00

I work with a number of clients that exhibit the same commonalities:They sit for a majority of their day. They are not as active as they want to be. They like to play golf, yet don't train to play golf.They complain of low back problems.When I was young, I had a cousin who kept his hot rod car in one of my Dad's garages for storage. It was a beauty. It was a 1967 Chevy Impala. It was a monster

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-29805578697767067142009-10-30T06:54:00.000-04:002009-10-30T06:54:00.300-04:00

Who is this guy? Just another powerlifter? Noooo....Read my interview with EliteFTS.com powerlifting team member, Jason Pegg as he deciphers what life is like under some heavy iron, and how he--like anyone else--manages to get up everyday and turn his passion into a satisfying career.Read the interview:A Powerlifter's Unraveling Perplexity of Training & Life: An Interview with Jason Pegg

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-89075688568637336742009-10-28T06:49:00.001-04:002009-10-28T06:49:00.237-04:00

Lately I have been looking back on some articles I've written over the years and reading them. Gosh...its unbelievable how much I've learned in only the last 3-4 years. And through that learning, how I've changed my position on things that I thought were staples in my repertoire of training. For instance, I wrote an article titled, "Not Quite Ready for the Ball Squat" in 2006 and it was meant

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-71476190793453913222009-10-26T06:19:00.000-04:002009-10-26T06:19:16.628-04:00

Holy Matrimony!! My wedding is in 10 days! Get to this sale before it's over!!! Not much time left. All 6-DVD set complete with bonus download of "Secret Skills of Personal Training" eBook for only $129. Did I mention FREE SHIPPING on all orders of DVD's??Here is the link: Special Wedding Discount

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-59778962656020227062009-10-22T06:50:00.003-04:002009-10-22T06:50:00.217-04:00

Back in 2006, I wrote an article titled, "5 Exercises You Should Be Able to Perform", which received a fair share of feedback--both positive and clamorous. What were my 5 exercises destined to make this article worthy?1.) Squat2.) Lunge3.) Step-Up4.) Push-Up5.) Ab CrunchKeep in mind, that my experience as a fitness professional stems from years of working with general population clients--not

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7943236470544931117.post-16871531227775695752009-10-19T06:49:00.002-04:002009-10-19T06:49:00.162-04:00

Okay...I am getting married in 3 more weeks. Things are getting down to the wire...that means lots of phone calls to vendors, follow-ups with wedding party, and crossing my fingers for good weather. It actually snowed in Connecticut last week, so I am praying that mother nature will hold out on the cold white stuff for a few more weeks! All in all....I am very excited! Can't wait to get married

John Izzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03349838540873237527john@izzostrengthtraining.com0