Training from Fix to Flex
We assess each client using our “fix-to-flex” continuum: Some people come to us to resolve an issue that’s been inhibiting their ability to move or exercise (fix); and others come with strength or fitness goals in mind (flex).
Assess, Build a Foundation, Train or Maintain
Both client approaches are similar: The objective is to fix what doesn’t move well with Therapeutic Training so that you can begin to flex your strength with Performance Training.
With any client/athlete, we want to ensure you’re building a foundation from a neutral state – what we call back to zero. “Zero” differs from person to person: One client’s zero might be pain-free; but another is a specific baseline for fitness or strength. Throughout your training, as issues or limitations come up, we ensure you’re starting again at zero and building from there. To build better.
Conduct Assesments
How we begin for every client, regardless of your level of fitness or focus. We use assessments first to establish your program, then throughout your training to inform how you train, the tools and equipment we use with you, and how we adjust your program over time.
Back to Zero: At this point, if you have an issue, pain, or some type of restriction, then first we work to get you back to zero with Therapeutic Training
Build A Foundation
Starting at your “zero” now you’ll learn our Core Principles and build a solid foundation of strength and movement, regardless of your ultimate goals.
Train Or Maintain
You’re usually either training for an event or performance goal; or looking to maintain a healthy or active lifestyle. We continuously adapt your program to ensure you’re reaching your goals.
Back to Zero: Same goes here – Throughout your training, if any issues or restrictions come up, or something’s shifted with your body, then we return to this to get you back to zero.
Creating Your Program
First, a Consultation
55-minute intake session, where we conduct assessments and have a conversation to learn about you, understand your personal context, and create a framework for success. Have you been injured? Do you have chronic pain? Have you previously worked with other trainers, and what did that look like?
Overall, what would success look like for you? For instance, what would you be able to do, or how would you feel?
Based on your consultation and the results of your assessments, we create a custom program focusing on functional movement that directly carries over to your personal goals, sport, or daily life. We have three types of training:
1-on-1 Training: 1 hour, private session with your coach.
Semi-Private Training: 1 hour, staggered training with your coach and 2-3 other people; a great option if you like to train with others or you’ve built a foundation and are ready to take it to the next level with a little more independence.
Manual Therapy: With manual therapy, our objective is restoration: restore mobility, restore function, and prevent injury. This can be incorporated into your program, or you can also book standalone sessions.
Then, We Build Your Training Program
One of our biggest differentiators is that we have our coaches use assessments regularly. While we use assessments at the start to build your program, we’re also using them throughout your training in order to analyze on the spot, adjust as your body is adjusting to training, and then apply the right tools, equipment, and movements to get a client or athlete where they need to be. A better understanding of you leads to better training.
And, Continuous Assessments Always
Building A Foundation
Next, it’s about building your foundation of strength and mobility
Why these principles and skills?
A solid grasp of these principles empowers you to “feel” within your body more: These will teach you how to move your body correctly, hit the target, and gain greater motor control.
Then, as we get into your training, applying these principles to exercises allows you to not only feel the specific muscles we’re targeting, but also to preventinjury – as oftentimes, people are moving inefficiently or compensating, which can lead to issues and injury.
Every client or athlete first learns our Core Principles & Fundamental Skills for movement and strength. Once these are understood and practiced – your Foundation – you’ll apply them throughout your training.
Core Principles & Fundamental Skills:
6 Movement Principles
Ankle Point • Zip • Wedge • Bone Rhythm • Upper Body Lock • Spirals
4 Strength Principles
Center of Gravity • Base of Support • Force Vector • Center of Mass
8 Fundamental Skills
Squat/Crouch • Deadlift • Lunge • Push • Pull • Press • Gorilla Curl • Rotation/Anti-Rotation
About Therapeutic Training
Therapeutics is largely about getting you back to zero and into Performance Training
No matter where you are in your fitness regimen with us, we utilize Therapeutic Training, in particular if you need to get “back to zero.” This is a mix of Orthopedic and Neurological Assessments, where we’re utilizing tools and systems such as Z-Health, muscle tests, nerve glides, vestibular, coordination, and breathing techniques; as well as other modalities like Manual Therapy, where we can re-pattern your body through soft tissue work, joint mobilization, and muscle activation.
Much of the scientific foundation at JBodyworks is based on the theories and practices of Z-Health, which is an applied neurology-informed training system. Every coach at JBodyworks is required to be trained up to the I-Phase (second tier of training) for Z-Health; and several coaches have completed the entire core tiers and the advanced curriculum.
About Performance Training
Developing strength and mobility, meeting and surpassing your personal goals
After building your foundation now you’re truly ready to train, using the right movements, skills, and principles you’ve learned.
Our fitness programs focus on functional movement that directly carries over to your personal goals, sport, or daily life; along with targeted training, should you be focused on a specific training goal or event. Your training is fully customized to you.
Many of the tools and equipment we use develop and enhance functional movement patterns. So, unlike a traditional gym where you'll see a machine for a specific body part – such as the “Lat Pull Down” – we apply various tools such as kettlebells, steel clubs, barbells, and sandbags to help our athletes and clients learn how to control their body functionally. It’s never one machine, one movement – but many tools and many different movements.
I feel lucky to have been referred to J Bodyworks. I'm currently 26 years old and have been dealing with severe chronic pain issues for the past 7+ years. To date, I have worked with over 10 different physical therapists and J Bodyworks has been, by FAR, the best. Everything is completely personalized and I am so grateful and happy to reflect on the progress I have made.
– Oren, San Francisco