ADRIAN SAMPSON
About
WHAT I DO
THE SAMPSON TRAINING APPROACH
Based on the practice of Somatraining, which was created by Osteopath Guy Voyer, Sampson Training is approaching exercise from a better understanding of the anatomical function of the muscles of the body. Also being strongly aware that there are unique benefits from various forms of exercise, including Yoga and Pilates, The Sampson Training Approach is inclusive rather than restrictive.
The Sampson Training Approach applies to anyone, young or old, athletes or not, injured or not. But it is one thing to be young, un-injured or someone who, regardless of age, seems to continue to function without any major physical issues. It would be marvelous to fall into one of those groups but unfortunately that’s not the case for many people.
Trying to change or adapt what we do due to injuries or physical restrictions can be a major challenge. This may be more so for those of us who love exercising or physical activities. Even when deep down we know we may be causing greater problems, it may be hard to walk away from the activities that we love.
The reality is there are many physical conditions and injuries that we may not be able to resolve 100%. At the very least we might be able to regain most of our function. Be able to return to our activities in a modified form. And even better, eliminate the symptoms of our problem, even though we are aware it is still hiding in the background and we may have to manage it for the rest of our life.
Often we discuss exercise becoming a lifestyle. This is recognizing the fact that if not applied consistently for extended periods, the likelihood of success would be limited.
When we think of activities such as yoga, tai chi or any martial art we accept that the foundation of them is to practice exercises and techniques consistently over long periods of time. There should be no less expectation of any other kind of physical activity or exercise including resistance training.
Often yoga is discussed as being the practice of both mind and body.
But why would we approach any form of exercise in any other way?
Does it make any sense to apply increasing volumes of external load or weight to the body without being mindful in your practice?
INTRODUCE
Introduce an understanding of the body’s muscular anatomy and exercise for people who are new to training.
TEACH
Teach some variations that may be beneficial to experienced exercisers.
DISCUSS & INCORPORATE
Discuss and incorporate lifestyle changes in our daily life.
CHANGE & APPROACH
Change perspectives and approaches to the physical challenges of our bodies particularly in the case of long-term injuries.
WHAT I DO
Physical activity has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Whether it was playing tennis or body surfing for hours back home in the Caribbean to working out and riding my bike as transportation here in Toronto. Although it was not my plan it ultimately led me to a 20 year career in fitness and lifestyle management.
Having been physically active in a non-competitive fashion my whole life, a series of unplanned events would take me down my current path.
Applying for a job that had specific physical requirements took me from being unable to get to the end of the block to running 10 K regularly. I eventually completed a marathon and a half Iron Man in pursuit of completing an Iron Man challenge.
Unbeknownst to me, it would never be as several injuries and setbacks would stalk me from then on. First it was a bad fall on the first day of snowboarding lessons that caused a pelvis injury which would not be properly diagnosed for 10 years. This was followed by a lower leg nerve injury during a surgery. This surgery was supposed to address the pelvis problem but I later learned it would not have.
As luck would have it, my work would lead to a therapist who would guide me to study SomaTraining with Guy Voyer which would take my practice to another level.
This was crucial to my recovery after deciding to have a surgery for a torn rotator cuff muscle suffered while playing tennis as a teenager. This was followed by a second surgery resulting from compensating to protect the initial surgery.
Incurring injuries derailed my initial objectives but led to a deeper personal understanding of the process of incurring injuries, the impact of injuries and the surgery rehab process. This included the physical, mental and emotional perspectives. It also taught me the resolve required to continue to pursue the recovery process and to accept when its outcome may not be the one I wanted.