I was listening to the Strength Coach Pod Cast the other day on the topic of exercise equipment utilized and the coach’s skill level. With all the hype of new equipment, chains, prowlers, tires or whatever monumental piece the “In” things is, I believe the core to an athletes success is the Coach’s skill level.

Do you fall for this?

I can write a great program with the use of the latest amazing equipment but if you don’t know how to flat out Coach, than it’s not going to be utilized to it’s maximal potential. Too often people are lured by the trap of “fancy equipment will obtain all goals”, unfortunately this isn’t true at ALL! Always keep in mind that it’s not the tools it’s the Coach!

So what makes a great Coach?

I find that many people look to an ex-athlete or the strongest/fastest person and believe this is will be a great Coach for me. While it may seem it’s best to learn from the successful athlete, it very well may not. In a previous post, I mentioned how a buddy of mine stated, “You don’t go-to a horse to learn speed!” This is true, if you’re looking to run faster you don’t go to the fastest person in the world, you go to a qualified coach. So let’s stop beating around the bush, a Coach in my eyes is one that:

• Motivates
• Has mentored/worked under a qualified Coach. Shit passes, Shit down so, let’s remember that you working at “XYZ” gym doing bullshit workouts isn’t experience. Not trying to sound like an ass but it’s true…
• Does the BASIC amazingly well! Mark Verstegen often states do the “simple things done savagely well” I couldn’t agree anymore.
• Can convey a complex message simply.
• Knows movements: a true performance coach, personal trainer, or physical prep Coach or whatever you want to call yourself knows movements. You can watch/analyze on field play and know how to develop a specific program for the athlete. While there will be intricate details to each sport in general a great performance Coach can develop athletes across the board.

There are many more but these cover the basics. If you’re a coach or personal trainer make sure to continuously educate yourself with the basics stated above and with quality books, videos, mentors, and seminars. There’s just too much junk and under qualified so called “Fitness Professionals” pumping out products to make a quick buck, it’s not worth your time or money.

Train Smart,

Team Fusion