Choreography v Principles

Michael Goulden

Last updated: 

2 Dec 2024

3 min. read

A student completed RTS Foundations. His Fitness Manager’s first request? “Show me an RTS workout!”

Imagine an architect returning from studying advanced structural design, only to be asked: “Quick, draw me a house!” It misses the point. The value isn’t in producing another blueprint—it’s in understanding why buildings stand or fall.

The same applies to exercise. Real professional development isn’t about collecting new movements. It’s about understanding how movement works and, more importantly, why it works.

Beyond Protocol-Based Learning

Early in your career, learning standard movements and protocols serves a purpose. It gives you structure, confidence, and a foundation to build upon. But you’ve likely encountered moments where these protocols fall short:

• A client’s posture doesn’t match the textbook example
• The recommended progression stalls
• Standard cues don’t connect with your client
• Your client can’t achieve the “proper form” despite weeks of practice
• An exercise that works perfectly for one client causes pain for another
• The textbook modification for an exercise doesn’t solve your client’s specific limitation

These moments of uncertainty reflect a gap between generic protocols and real-world client needs. They’re not failures of technique – they’re opportunities to deepen your understanding of how bodies actually work.

The Foundation of Exercise Design

This is where the real learning begins. Here are the four cornerstones of effective exercise design:

1. Anatomy in Motion

• Understanding individual structural variations
• Recognising how joint position affects muscle function
• Appreciating the role of connective tissue in movement

2. Force Application

• Analysing how forces interact with anatomy
• Understanding resistance profiles and their effects
• Matching force application to client capabilities

3. Observational Skills

• Developing the ability to “see” movement patterns
• Recognising compensations and adaptations
• Understanding the relationship between form and function

4. Adaptation Design

• Creating appropriate stimuli for desired outcomes
• Balancing intensity with recovery
• Adjusting programs based on client response

The Art of Precision

Every exercise you design applies force to the human body. This force creates the adaptation you seek. However, success lies in its precise application:

• Too little stimulus: No progress
• Too much intensity: Risk of injury or burnout
• Poor alignment: Development of compensations

It’s about skilfully selecting and applying the right tool for each unique situation.

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All

As Tom Purvis, RTS Founder, emphasises:

“It’s not called ‘personal’ training simply because it’s one-on-one. It’s supposed to be personalised as well! And personalised training is much more than creative exercise selection and program design.”

This captures the essence of client-centred training. Your role isn’t to collect and distribute exercises—it’s to understand the principles that allow you to create precise, effective solutions for each client’s unique needs.

It’s about stepping beyond ‘Show Me The Moves!’

Moving Forward

Ready to evolve beyond protocols and develop a deeper understanding of exercise mechanics? The Exercise Mechanics Lab provides the framework you need to:

• Master the principles of force application
• Understand individual structural variations
• Design precise, client-centred programs
• Deliver measurable, sustainable results

Find out more about our level one workshop here.