In the world of fitness, modifications are often misunderstood, and when people hear the word modification in a gym, they often think it means someone is doing less.
How we see it
A modification is just a way to make the workout fit the person, because fitness is not “one size-fits-all”. It means we are finding the version of the movement that works for that body on that day.
I personally understand modifications because I have arthritis in my hands, my feet, and my knees. That’s just part of my reality, and it pushes me to keep going to the gym.
I want to keep moving and enjoying life. I want to be able to travel, get out and hike and swim, and keep up with everyday life for as long as I can. I also want to build muscle so I’m stronger and better able to support joints that are not always very cooperative.
That means I don’t do everything the exact same way every day.
Some days I step to a higher box. Some days I use a shorter one, depending on how my knees or feet are feeling. Some days I can do a burpee and others I can’t, so the coach will help me swap that out for another movement. I may not use a skipping rope, but I can go to the ski erg and ski hard for 30 seconds instead.
I’m not avoiding the workout.
I’m still working hard, just in the way that makes sense for me.
why coaching matters
At an access gym, people are often left to figure it out for themselves. They walk in, look at the equipment, maybe choose a few things to do, and hope it’s helping. If something hurts, feels awkward, or seems impossible, they’re often left guessing. They either push through and hope for the best, or they avoid it and feel like they’re failing.
what we do at VIGOR
We are a coaching gym. People don’t come here just to access a workout. They come here to be coached through one.
That means we help people figure out what movements they can do, what movements need to be changed, and how to still get a really good workout without feeling frustrated or defeated.
why we start people with personal training
Those first sessions matter. They give us a chance to get to know the person in front of us. We can see how they move. We can learn what feels good and what doesn’t. We can figure out what needs to be modified, what needs more practice, and what options will help them be successful if they join classes.
We don’t want someone walking into a workout and feeling like there’s nothing they can do. I’ve certainly had that experience at other gyms.
There is almost always something they can do.
They may never climb a rope or do an unassisted pull-up, but there are other ways to build strength and work those same muscles. They may not skip, jump, or get down to the floor easily, but that does not mean they can’t work hard and get a great workout.
It just means the workout needs to be coached and modified, and the programming reflects that.
simple versus complex
At VIGOR, there will always be some athletes doing harder, more complex movements, and there will always be some athletes doing simpler, less complex movements. Both of those athletes can still get an excellent workout, feel challenged, and leave feeling proud of what they did.
The goal is for everybody in the room to do the version of the workout that is best for them.
For a lot of people, that’s what makes the difference between quitting and sticking with it.
That matters to me personally, and it matters to us as coaches.
At VIGOR, we want people to know that there is almost always a way forward. It may not look exactly like what the person beside you is doing, but it can still challenge you, strengthen you, and help you build a body that supports your life.
That’s what we’re here for.
If you’ve ever felt like a gym wasn’t made for your body, your experience level, or your limitations, VIGOR might be exactly the place you need. We’ll meet you where you’re at, help you figure out what works for your body, and coach you from there. Book an into with us HERE.
