Why do you think you would not have injured yourself if you had a personal trainer? I agree that form is very important, and that the ideal way to learn it is to have a knowledgeable person there with you to critique your form. I also agree that the OP did not stress enough the importance of good form. However, if a workout partner knows what good form is, what value does a personal trainer add that a knowledgeable workout partner does not?
Why do you think you would not have injured yourself if you had a personal trainer?
I mentioned personal trainers because the OP literally and specifically talked about their knowledge here:
“If you’ve made it this far, congratulations; you are now as knowledgeable as any personal trainer I’ve spoken with.”
Further, as I said, I now wonder if optimizing for performance can often be inherently bad to the pursuit of optimizing for longevity.
The human body is not necessarily evolved for modern weight training. Monster powerlifters (optimizing for performance) and bodybuilders (optimizing for looks) are basically using body hacking techniques. It isn’t the slightest bit surprising to me that over time, that can lead to accumulated stress injuries in more vulnerable parts of the body.
You can—and I have—pretty well optimize for performance for certain lifts. I am now curious as to whether that was a leading cause of sub-optimal results in my long term health. (Lots of things in nature are like this… give and take, trade-offs)
A knowledgeable person(al trainer) might be able to provide feedback and warnings to balance your optimization. If someone (for example) would have said “Benching heavy twice a week will help you add 10% to your max in the next 4 months… but it will also wear out your shoulders quickly,” Then I could’ve made a more infomed choice.
As it is, “common sensers” like the OP (I was one of them) typically make weight lifting very simple. They recommend a simple formula and de-value personal trainers.
I’ve seen this advice “work” for many people who have gotten strong and fit. Maybe they’ll deal with injuries later? Don’t know. Lots of variables.
As of now, I’m re-thinking my view of “Optimal Exercise”.
However, if a workout partner knows what good form is, what value does a personal trainer add that a knowledgeable workout partner does not?
Very little. More personal focus than a training buddy, likely. The key is in the word “knowledgeable”. I’ve had training buddies who were very strong and fit who may end up with long term problems like me. They helped me reach my shorter goals, though...
Why do you think you would not have injured yourself if you had a personal trainer? I agree that form is very important, and that the ideal way to learn it is to have a knowledgeable person there with you to critique your form. I also agree that the OP did not stress enough the importance of good form. However, if a workout partner knows what good form is, what value does a personal trainer add that a knowledgeable workout partner does not?
I mentioned personal trainers because the OP literally and specifically talked about their knowledge here:
Further, as I said, I now wonder if optimizing for performance can often be inherently bad to the pursuit of optimizing for longevity.
The human body is not necessarily evolved for modern weight training. Monster powerlifters (optimizing for performance) and bodybuilders (optimizing for looks) are basically using body hacking techniques. It isn’t the slightest bit surprising to me that over time, that can lead to accumulated stress injuries in more vulnerable parts of the body.
You can—and I have—pretty well optimize for performance for certain lifts. I am now curious as to whether that was a leading cause of sub-optimal results in my long term health. (Lots of things in nature are like this… give and take, trade-offs)
A knowledgeable person(al trainer) might be able to provide feedback and warnings to balance your optimization. If someone (for example) would have said “Benching heavy twice a week will help you add 10% to your max in the next 4 months… but it will also wear out your shoulders quickly,” Then I could’ve made a more infomed choice.
As it is, “common sensers” like the OP (I was one of them) typically make weight lifting very simple. They recommend a simple formula and de-value personal trainers.
I’ve seen this advice “work” for many people who have gotten strong and fit. Maybe they’ll deal with injuries later? Don’t know. Lots of variables.
As of now, I’m re-thinking my view of “Optimal Exercise”.
Very little. More personal focus than a training buddy, likely. The key is in the word “knowledgeable”. I’ve had training buddies who were very strong and fit who may end up with long term problems like me. They helped me reach my shorter goals, though...