Eric Cressey-Taust-Is He GUT Worthy?
This post has more relevance than it may seem at first on this blog. The truth is that I have, and a lot of others have, a grave concern over the state of the training industry right now. The majority of trainers have just enough intelligence to not trip over their feet.
I don’t want to hear one joke about my hurt foot, not one.
My wish, my hope, is that trainers put the same effort at learning about the mechanics and workings of the human body as much as they learn about marketing tactics and blog plugins. I assure you, you will not get anywhere for long being a moron, It will come out. You can however do both. The best and most helpful advice I can give you is if you love the field or if you love your body, learn it.
This, “TAUST” by Eric Cressey, is a good start.
Basic outline:
The Truth About Unstable Surface Training (TAUST) is essentially the lead up, method, conclusion, and application of a study involving the testing of athletes and unstable surface training in 2005. The book goes over the basic application and results of that studies and then breaks down how to apply the results to your training or to the training of others. It also works on debunking the myths of stable and unstable surface training in both rehabilitation and enhancing athletic performance.
Who is Eric Cressey?:
I could give you Eric’s bio but then how am I going to impress you anymore? The truth is that Eric is at the top of the trainers latter and beyond bio “fluff” there is three huge things to understand about Eric Cressey.
-He works and increases performance of high level athletes.
-He works and increases performance of himself as an athlete.
-He studies and researches the science of the work with himself and athletes.
That is not found in 99% of bio’s anywhere in this industry. That is what sets it apart in my mind.
Now, on the with “bio” speak…
Cressey received his Master’s Degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science through the University of Connecticut Department of Kinesiology, the #1 ranked Kinesiology graduate program in the nation. At UCONN, Eric was involved in varsity strength and conditioning and research in the human performance laboratory.
An accomplished author, Cressey has authored over 250 published articles and three books while co-producing a DVD and 8-DVD set; these products have sold in more than two dozen countries. As an invited guest speaker, Eric has presented all over the U.S and abroad.
Eric Cressey, MA, CSCS is the owner of Cressey Performance, based 30 minutes west of Boston in Hudson, MA.
What was “Gut” worthy?:
The debunking of training myths and the hop for my sanity that this will aid in just one trainer or trainee to stop using unstable training in the wrong manner. Dear god, please save us from stability ball clean and jerks.
What wasn’t “Gut” worthy?:
The people that really need to understand, probably wont be able to understand it. A tad science heavy for tech audience it needs to speak to, but there is pictures! The only reason for a lowered rating is this.
What is Quote Worthy?
“This is just another example of how research is sometimes many years behind what is going on in the trenches.”
Cressey has done both.
Who is this for?
This book, regardless of if they have to break out a dictionary, is for every trainer/coach/pt out there. Period. If you are a trainer or if you plan on being a trainer or pt then you need to own this manual. This isn’t just about doing things “right” either, this puts you ahead of the pact. Your teams, your clients, and your patients, will thank you for the increase of knowledge.
I also feel that this book is for those who are really serious about training and applying the best methods to their program. If you don’t have a good coach and you need one, sometimes yourself is all your have. If that is the case, hop to the education. Coach yourself.
In short, if you design programing, be it for yourself or for others, you should get the book for the learning resource.
Who is it not?
Those who do not design their own programing or crappy trainers who don’t care about their clients.
Gut Worthy Rating: Eric Cressey-TAUST
This book gets 4.5 guts! (What are the Gut Awards? Is this rating good? Click here to learn.)
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You know how sometimes when you first read a title, you see something totally different than what’s actually written?
Well, when I first glanced at your RSS feed, I read the title as “Eric Cressey – Hot or Not?”
And I thought, “That Leigh is such a kidder, but isn’t that kinda personal?”
Yes, only insightful comments from me
October 8th, 2008 at 1:50 amMark
Leigh,
I will definitely have to put this book on my wish list. You would not believe how many people I see doing balancing, lunging, step ups & etc on unstable surfaces and I know for a fact that they can’t even do it correctly on a stable surface. I feel sometimes our PT’s and ATC’s want to do COOL exercises instead of what is sound fundamental movements. They suck.
October 8th, 2008 at 7:10 amSinead
Great review, Leigh! I’ve seen some of the crazy stuff on balance balls, too, and wondered how long it would be before there was a trip to the ER or the sirens of an ambulance. Thanks for reviewing it!
October 8th, 2008 at 8:15 amTim
Leigh I am going to pick this up the next chance I get. I know I am not a trainer yet but I don’t want to be telling people to do clean and jerks on a ball! Does that really happen?
October 8th, 2008 at 8:36 amRita
Tim, Yes it does happen. I am living proof. I recently hired on a trainer who has me, no joke standing on a 15lb ball doing squats, bicep curls and numerous other crazy stunts. The ball is the size of a basketball, it is suppose to work my core while working on other numerous body parts. This may be all well & good for someone who is experienced and has the basic’s of weight training and good form under their belt, but for a novice like myself it is injury waiting to happen. I already strained my shoulder 6 weeks ago on our first work out and it hasn’t healed yet. This was from doing push ups that were well beyond my level, I am not talking about regular guy push ups, those I can do a few of, 12-15. This was staggered, practically stand on your head push ups. See Leigh, I really needed to be one the the few picked for your challenge. I may kill myself with this trainer before the end of you challenge
October 8th, 2008 at 11:43 amSinead
Rita, if I were you I would tell that trainer that you will be doing nothing more with the stability ball than maybe some crunches or leg raises. No way would I be doing squats while standing on a ball! Come to think of it, I think I would just tell him goodbye and refer him to Cressey’s study. It sounds like that trainer is just trying out cool tricks. Just my .02.
October 8th, 2008 at 12:36 pmRita
You know Sinead I totally agree with you. The problem is I don’t want to be one of those people who need help losing body fat and then don’t follow the directions of the people I ask help from. I try my hardest to do what is asked of me, I don’t want to lay down and keep saying it is too hard, but I know some of the stuff is just not for me. I think sound basic movements with good form should come first. I am willing to work hard, the problem is I am not seeing results in this crazy form of training. I am going away for the weekend and when I return I am going to have to re-evaluate what I am doing AGAIN, and drop the trainer. I have found most at the locale gyms are not really worth it.
October 8th, 2008 at 2:28 pmSinead
There’s nothing wrong with walking away from somebody who doesn’t know what he’s doing, though. Just evaluate your reasons–are you leaving him because he’s making you work hard or because you KNOW he’s got you doing crazy dangerous things that could end up hurting you? I’d do some looking into trying to find a good and qualified trainer (Karla/kfisherx on JP Fitness posted something a while back about how she found her trainer–you might look that thread up) and go in armed with questions and information. Just because you might not be in shape right now doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t know the kinds of things that a good trainer should be doing, ya know?
Enjoy your weekend away.
October 8th, 2008 at 2:53 pmfat loss 4 idiots
Hmm… it seems that you have a talent in writing, great blog. Add to my feed reader!
October 9th, 2008 at 4:27 am