Step Up Your Workout with Paul Holmes

Paul Holmes

This week's post doesn't have to do with wrestling, but it does involve another great person named Paul! I mentioned in a previous post that coming up with my own workouts can be daunting at times. One thing I have learned over 13 years of training is to have an open mind. There are an infinite ways to workout, some more effective than others, but at the end of the day it is being open to new ideas that makes me stronger, efficient, and compliant when it comes to my workouts. Whether you are a coach, athlete, or the working mom, we can all benefit from learning something new when it comes to our workouts.

This is where Paul Holmes comes into the picture, or at least my picture.  I met Paul a few years ago through my brother. Paul is my brother's sevens rugby coach. Paul was born in the middle east, raised in South Africa and went on to play rugby in South Africa, England, Scotland, USA and the Middle East. As for school, Paul has a degree in Exercise Physiology from Loughbourgh and the Sports Science Institute, he holds multiple PT certifications as well. His experience and education have allowed him to run a successful business for 12 years now.

I don't know much about rugby, but I do know that it takes great speed, stamina, strength, and agility to play the game well. After meeting Paul, I was intrigued by his passion, knowledge for fitness, and the successful athletes he has trained. Not to mention, the guys that play sevens are pretty bad ass. Going back to time and efficiency being of the essence, Paul's workouts are intense, fast, and efficient, and most importantly effective.

I had the opportunity to pick Paul's brain a bit regarding his philosophy for training and he was kind enough to give me some of his time and energy.

KV (Me): What is your philosophy when training athletes?  The average person?

PH (Paul Holmes): Athletes need to develop balance in all areas of power, endurance, flexibility, and agility. Many athletes need education on how the body works all together in order to optimize results. The average individual wants to feel good, play sport socially,and look good. It comes down to nutrition and a balanced workout.

KV: What is your favorite exercise?  

PH: Any exercise involving a medicine ball - normally functional,great core and power.

KV: What advice do you have for people with busy schedules and getting in workouts?

PH: Make time, there is no excuse.  All my clients are high level and highly motivated individuals, they make time. If you don't prioritize, then don't train and be unhappy.
 

KV: What are the other main aspects are key for maximizing workouts?

PH:  Sleep,Nutrition , never settle for yesterdays success , always press on to tomorrows highs and be realistic with what level you are at , so as to grow and not hinder your progress. (surround yourself with driven fitness minded people ie Ryan Cochran)

KV: Anything else?

PH: Stay true to the fact you have one body, one life, don't dream it away, do it.

 

Within the past few months I have taken a different spin on training, integrating total body high intensity workouts, a step outside the box from my traditional five day body part slit. Some workouts are longer than others, and if you don't have an hour that's fine, modify! I don't always have access to the equipment Paul uses in his videos, so I switch it up! If I don't have an Olympic Bar, I use dumbbells.  If I don't have a TRX, I modify to a similar exercise without the TRX. You get the picture.

Paul putting us through a medicine ball workout!

One of the great aspects about training with Paul is that he posts his workouts on YouTube (I am in DC and he is in my hometown, Columbus, Ohio). The distance doesn't keep him from kicking my butt. I am realizing more and more, with the constant access we have to the internet, we can have our own trainer at the click of a button.  No more excuses especially, "I don't know what to do." 

So if you are looking for a challenge or a new exercise or two, checkout Paul Holmes and give your workout a boost.  He's inspired me to grow as an athlete and a trainer, and I know he can inspire you too! Thanks Paul!