This month, we place the spotlight on UK national trainer Steve Tongue. Steve takes his turn in the Q&A corner and shares some great ideas on how to get new clients involved with ViPR. Watch his ViPR moves in action.


How would I approach a new client to use ViPR?

We’re all well aware that most gym members who come across ViPR for the first time quickly assume a bicep curl and/or shoulder press. They try to utilise it as a barbell. The way you introduce ViPR, therefore, is of great importance. 

Firstly, its purpose should be highlighted: it's a Loaded Movement training tool. It has been developed to enhance our daily functional movements and competitive movement patterns in relation to sports, and to assess and improve our movement dysfunctions. 

Secondly, a member’s first ViPR experience should be a positive one. If we present a newbie with an exercise that is too complex, intense or in no way stimulating, they will always associate the sight of ViPR with that first impression. Personally, I like to introduce ViPR to a member for the first time with a simple, playful game. A drill I often use is the tilting game. ViPR is tilted between partners who, in turn, catch it, squat it to the floor and tilt it back. If this is too easy, it can be quickly ramped up with additional rules, such as one hand only. 

 

How do you apply ViPR to your personal workouts?


ViPR is such a versatile tool; I've found various applications for it in my own programs, depending on which phase of training I am in. In the past, I have used it to challenge my mobility, balance, strength, power, and agility. My favorite application so far has been for strength training. You can challenge your strength in positions and directions that you would never have dreamed of attempting with a barbell. Multi-directional strength training is great fun.


Watch Steve in action here: