RTS Principles: Micro-progression

Proper progression is a tough sell. Everybody wants immediate results. However, the effects of poor progression can be severe and even systemic. Not only do we take progression too lightly, but we’re actually conditioned to think that “shocking your body” is the key to success. We’re led to believe that injurious effects are signs of a “good workout.” In fact, some professionals don’t even realize that delayed onset muscle soreness indicates of a degree of injury.

No matter how fast you want to change, your body can only adapt in microscopic steps at the cellular and chemical level. Therefore, progression should be implemented in the smallest reasonable “micro-progressive” steps. This applies to all areas that can be manipulated or progressed: control, range of motion, unstable surfaces, effort, intensity, speed, reps, sets, load, “cardio” time, etc. The bottom line is that progression is much, much more than simply adding weight or adding “wobble.”

Micro-progression is not only considered to be a key to long-term success, but also a key to reducing risk. The implementation of this RTS principle improves both tissue integrity and motor performance. So, how much is enough? The least amount of unaccustomed activity.

RTSm Exam Passed

I passed my long-awaited RTSm exam last week! Many courses and long hours of studying have paid off, and now I can include myself in what I consider a group of elite, well-educated, hard-working, openminded trainers.

RTS is a process within a continuum of education and training that focuses on the specifics of the human body: joint forces, physics, and mechanics. Thank you to those who have been patient and helpful along the way. And thank you to those in my study group led by Michelle Amore at Precision Human Performance who met on a weekly basis. It truly is a pleasure being able to learn side by side with such a great group of like-minded individuals. And now, on to learning more and passing this education and experience onto others.