Pictured above, Alan Stamps. Photo taken in a Samurai dojo, in Kyoto, Japan.
I’ve worked with Alan for the most part of twelve years now.
I first started working with him back in 2016, whilst during the inception of developing my full business enterprise, when I bought my first commercial van for mobile gym work, and he was positively encouraging me back then, that I should pursue this goal.
Alan helped me out with my advertising when I got my first van.
In the time I’ve worked with him, my client has shown dedication to keeping fit and strong and always commits to a PT session every week and subsequently is still making progress on most sessions.
Over the years there were times when I wasn’t available to coach..
e.g.
during a spell when I was no longer working in a local gym (as a rule, Alan is a year round gym-only user.), and also during Covid times when “non essential workers” were completely “derailed” for a significant amount of time.
But that’s a totally different story, of which there is a link below, for those interested:
But things change..
And I was pleased to return to Gosport Leisure Centre in the May of 2023, where we have resumed working together since.
“Discipline and application”
Being an ex army veteran who served twenty three years of active service, my client is no stranger to discipline and relates well with goal setting and the consistency required to achieve objectives.
He was also previously a dedicated marathon runner from the years 1980 – 1986, which culminated in 1986 with a London Marathon Personal Best, of three hours forty six minutes (then at the age of forty three.)
In addition, my client once learned how to use a samari sword from an authentic instructor in its Japanese origins. (original picture above.)
These are just a couple of examples I’ve learnt from his years of wisdom and experience, It’s been a fulfilling working relationship, with a healthy sense of humour, fully attached.
“Needs Analysis”
It was in June 2024 when my client had chosen to firm up his goals of improving his overall upper body strength and subsequently between us, we decided on a programme that would lead to this outcome.
“Programme Design”
My clients programme mainly centred around improving overall bench press strength (an exercise which alone, works chest, shoulders and triceps), but we also needed other essential exercises to facilitate overall optimal strength gains.
Other key factors included improving back strength (Number one rule, no big bench without a strong back) & the prudent use of targeted accessory work, such as triceps exercises that would help my client to optimise his upper body performance.
I designed a programme to be followed “to the letter “, and would require my client to visit the gym himself, twice a week, to make it deliver, in addition to seeing me once a week.
“Initial testing day”…
In the world of Strength and Conditioning, It’s an important rule, to measure results.
The old joke, which incidentally, was also a mantra, when I underwent my training through my Masters Degree was “If you’re not measuring, you’re GUESSING” which is why it’s always important to get a score, before you try to progress.
Using the “NSCA’s reliable one rep max (1RM, One Rep Max) test Protocol, My clients first Bench Press 1RM was encouraging.
My client worked up to 67.5 kg for a single rep, which , by all accounts was classified as
“An exceptional and advanced level of strength for his represented age”, then 80 yrs old.
we were already off to a flying start.
(Reference, Google, shown below.)
Alan, now aged 82, and still smashing his goals.
“A bumpy road”
Often, as a coach, goals are never met in a “linear fashion “
It can SOMETIMES be linear, but often its rare case..
In the October of 2024, my client underwent surgery for a complete knee replacement.
It was not to be a decision he took lightly. Considering this, He did well, because he was “fit for surgery “, and also bounced back really well, and we continued, now, with a “duality” of goals
A) rehabilitation of knee and
B) Improving upper body strength (his initial goal)
*Editors note
I’m going to be point blank honest here,
As a coach, although it was good to be a part of this process, “Knee replacement rehabilitation ” is a notoriously tricky process and affair.
To this end..
We (Alan and myself), tried every conventional method, and every exercise, that SHOULD have worked*. We included everything and my client adhered himself to the process 💯 % , with gay abandon and total dedication to the cause..
*Note
Alan is still, to this day, experiencing “good and bad days”, with his replacement knee. But feels “over the worst of it”..
(And my own dad, of a similar age, has had a very similar experience), we can only try. it’s a tough call.
But ending on a really positive note..
Alan has stuck with his upper body strength goals, and is demonstrating strength improvements on an (almost) weekly basis.
We have since re-measured his 1RM Bench press, and it has improved (abate, now we are using a smith machine as a gym refurb left no other choice)
Conclusion….
This kinda ongoing success is rare, rare full stop.
For even people in there twenties, thirties or forties.
Let’s not us forget, my client is still improving in his eighties.
Truly defying all signs of age.
If you are any age and would like help in your training progress, I’m always here for you.
Reach out.
Meet me half way.
And let’s see what we can achieve together .
I still have some limited spaces available.
And I’m confident I can help you.
Martin Sorenson
M.Sc. B.Sc.(hons), CSCS
