The NASM and their OPT training philosophy.

[Esteban]

I've always been curious about the NASM's training phylosophy, particularly about their (trademarked) OPT method. Now that a third edition of the course is being offered (the textbook can be purchased from Amazon and other bookstores), it seems like a good time to learn more about it.

http://www.nasm.org/certification/de...bmenu_0_link_1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0781782910

I know that John Izzo is a NASM-certified trainer that sometime ago was also NSCA-certified (am I correct?) Maybe he, or other forum participants, can explain in greater detail what is different about this OPT method. Thanks.

[John Izzo]

Originally Posted by Esteban

I've always been curious about the NASM's training phylosophy, particularly about their (trademarked) OPT method. Now that a third edition of the course is being offered (the textbook can be purchased from Amazon and other bookstores), it seems like a good time to learn more about it.

http://www.nasm.org/certification/de...bmenu_0_link_1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0781782910

I know that John Izzo is a NASM-certified trainer that sometime ago was also NSCA-certified (am I correct?) Maybe he, or other forum participants, can explain in greater detail what is different about this OPT method. Thanks.

Estaban,
You have a good memory. I was CSCS certified in 1999, but I let it lapse at that time becuase I was stil unsure which career-path I was going to take. Was I going to be a full-time personal trainer? Was I going to work with athletes?
The NASM-OPT model is a very structured approach to addressing muscular imbalances in clients. There have been times, when I find the model alittle "too boring" for clients and have made modifications in exercise programs.

I "understand" NASM's model, but I do not subscribe to it religiously. And they goes with any program that comes out. If you understand the basics of anatomy & kinethisology, then addressing dysfunctions and designing goal-oriented exercise programs becomes second nature. I think the NASM-OPT model is more "hand-holding" for the trainer--and thats alright because eventually that trainer will understand and modify too.

If you want something somewhat similar to the CSCS, you may want to try the NASM-PES or the ISSA-CSS.

[CardiffBaseball]

Interesting a local baseball coach (throwing) is going to be implementing OPT training for young kids in a camp he is running (9-12). He wants to do an evaluation ahead of time to figure out the imbalances and any coordination problems. I was seriously considering doing this for my sons, to kind of kick-start some kind of routine for them, as I am not a trainer, but come here to learn.

[John Izzo]

Originally Posted by CardiffBaseball

Interesting a local baseball coach (throwing) is going to be implementing OPT training for young kids in a camp he is running (9-12). He wants to do an evaluation ahead of time to figure out the imbalances and any coordination problems. I was seriously considering doing this for my sons, to kind of kick-start some kind of routine for them, as I am not a trainer, but come here to learn.

There is nothing wrong with evaluating for imbalances...you just have to have a good EYE for it. Just because you pass the NASM test, doens't make you an "expert" in assessing imbalances. Like I write about and tell my colleagues...I f*cked up my first year's worth of clients, because I was finding imbalances that was really just poor technique.

How did I become the spokesperson for NASM??

[Esteban]

John, thanks for your input.