RTS Principles
The Integra team are educated by the Resistance Training Specialist (RTS) organisation, our approach is guided by the following RTS principles.
MicroProgression ®
No matter how fast you want to change, your body can only adapt in microscopic steps at the cellular and chemical level. Any exercises performed over and above the minimum amount needed to produce a desired response is at best a waste of time, and at worst detrimental. Therefore progression should be implemented in the smallest reasonable "MicroProgressive" steps.
This applies to all areas that can be manipulated or progressed: time, sets, reps, rest, load, control, range of motion, unstable surfaces, effort, intensity, "cardio" time, etc.
A little bit of stress is a good thing, too much can be a bad thing, so MicroProgression ® is not only considered to be a key to long-term success, but it is also a key to reducing risk. The implementation of this RTS principle allows for improvement in tissue integrity, motor performance and long-term success in reaching and maintaining your goals.
InTension ®
Where you place your focus can dramatically affect the experience and outcome of your exercise, in three specific ways
- The exact direction of your 'push or pull' will impose a second set of very real forces on the joints and tissues.
- The amount of tension in the muscles x the external load x your mindful effort and intention can dramatically alter the effort or intensity of each rep.
- Your focus, whether it is 'internal' or 'external' can shift the outcome of any exercise.
Understanding and applying these variables is key to truly altering the outcome and results of every exercise. It's about knowing what is going on inside the body vs what the exercise looks like. We believe all exercise should be mindful rather than mindless.
Strategic Variation ®
Continued results from exercise are dependant upon the proper manipulation of the many variables on offer. Your body requires optimal variation to stay healthy and ensure continued progression, but it can't be haphazard in the hope of "keeping the body guessing". It requires planning and adjustments over time.
We'll strategically manipulate factors such as time, speed, contractile range, movement pattern, or strength-resistance relationship to not only alter the level of difficulty, but also to orchestrate a full-spectrum challenge in the most efficient manner.
Exercise Mechanics ®
RTS specialises in the principles and application of a branch of biomechanics called Exercise Mechanics.
Exercise Mechanics includes the understanding of these four key areas:
- 1. Structural Anatomy: the shape, function and inter-relationships of various structures both in general and specific to each client.
- 2. Neuromuscular System: the recruitment and the internal force generating capabilities specific to each client.
- 3. The effects of the ranges and patterns of movements specific to each exercise.
- 4. External Forces: the effects of the exercise-specific direction and application upon the joints and tissues.
The Exercise Experience ™
The exercise experience is based upon your sensation, what it 'feels' like during each workout, each exercise, each rep.
We take it a little further at Integra.
Your whole experience is based upon your external and internal environment. We have created a boutique studio that you love to come to: small with natural daylight and full stocked with all of the equipment we need. We limit the amount of clients training at any one time so you'll never wait for equipment. Our changing rooms are private, fully stocked with towels and paraben-free toiletries.
Our trainers are highly skilled professionals. We don't just know how to 'push you harder': our coaching skills, levels of customer care and the quality of attention you receive are our focus of our service.
The skilled manipulation by our team of the variables of Exercise Mechanics and the use of InTension based cues, coupled with utilisation of Strategic Variation with MicroProgression enables an experience and an outcome unrivalled elsewhere.
Where can you find out more information about the education process?
Resistance Training Specialists
Resistance Training Specialist Video
Contact us today for your free consultation to discuss how we could help you.