Having a plan for each training session is usually taken care of through programming and periodization. But complex training programs and genius writing can only get you so far. I’ve been in the game long enough where I am confident with how I put training programs together; I know my thinking makes sense and I know I can get anyone strong.
In my first job as corporate salesman, I laid awake at night dreading the stresses of the next day - the constant pressure, scrutiny, and “what have you done for me lately” mantra that permeated my experience in corporate America.
I have a confession to make. I have lied, pretended to be someone I am not, and more than likely wasted the valuable time of people I’ve come in contact with.
Periodization can be a tool to help your athletes continue to make gains and to ensure sound programming. Remember, the idea behind CrossFit is “constantly varied” - not actually random.
What do programmers think about before writing a training plan for an individual or group? I spoke with two experts and here's what they had to say about creating workouts and a long-term plan.
There is a world of difference between enjoying your job and being someone lit up from within, bursting with excitement to share your knowledge. These three pillars are essential for all coaches.
Over-coaching is the use of excessive input by the coach in any given situation. The input becomes detrimental to the athlete’s development. Here are six ways you might not realize you're doing it.
There is a reason for standardized terminology, and that is so confusion is minimized. To help newer coaches, here is a list of useful weightlifting terms and exactly what they mean.
Coaching athletes is easy. Being a personal trainer is a true challenge. We help people live out their dreams and we are the front line defense in tackling obesity.
So how do you tell the legit instructors from the group-ex charlatans? How do you become excellent at coaching a group? Here are seven things to avoid and seven things you should be doing.
Managing a classroom, be it in a school or a gym, is more than just teaching the material. There are other variables to consider, and other questions for new coaches in particular to ask themselves.
Unlike many outdoor training services that may provide great workouts, I strive to provide a great program. Here's how to implement an effective outdoor program without the comforts of a big box.
When I started on my coaching journey I ebbed from one style to the other as I sought to find my coaching voice. Here are the paradoxes I explored, the mistakes I made, and the lessons I learnt.
Since the use of analogy is ubiquitous in the human experience, it makes sense to consider how best to maximize their power in our teaching and coaching. Read on for a few suggestions:
Although most people understand the relevance of anatomy and physiology, few people understand the process of scientific reasoning that may be the most valuable tool that can be applied to coaching.
When I'm in anticipation of coaching a seminar I go to a very dark and insecure place. At least I did until a realization I had this past weekend about myself and what I have to offer.
As a coach, you likely have a multitude of plaques on your walls displaying a variety of certifications - but those do not make you a great coach. To be a great coach you must inspire me.
It happens all the time - coaches who are cheerleaders, not leaders. How does a coach not say “no” or stop a movement? How does a coach not give coaching?
In part two of my series on becoming a personal trainer we're going to focus on part most people are less comfortable with - the fact that successful trainers think of themselves as a business.
Here in Australia 10% of personal trainers leave the fitness industry every year. Only 1% make it to 15 years in this job. So as a 1%-er, here's my advice on how to become a successful PT.
In this country we have a prolonged history of ignoring the science involved in physical training. The end results of training can be glamorous, but the real skill is in the structure and planning.
In learning theory there's a concept known as "zone of proximal development." Understanding it can make a big difference in how effective your coaching is and how well your students learn.
These are the six rules I believe you must follow to be an excellent coach. Do you know them? Do you follow them? I call this The Coaching Manifesto and it will make you and your clients better.
Does arm position matter when you're doing an unweighted squat? Turns out it makes a big difference in overweight clientele. Learn one small thing that can make you a better coach.
As I transition from coaching kids to coaching adults, I realize all the things I don't know. Here are 7 tips that are helping me on my journey, that I know will serve any new coach well.
Your 40s are not the time to decide you're going to be a pro MMA fighter. This is one of the lessons I've learned in 20 years of training. Read on for lessons 11 through 20.
This year marks twenty years in the personal training game. The following are the first ten of the twenty most important lessons I've learned over these years.
Can you activate a muscle, without moving, just because someone told you to? For example, if a coach told you to "use your triceps" during a lift. New research shows what's actually possible.
New research looks at simple coaching cues that improve standing long jump performance, and the effect of external versus internal focus on athletic performance.
Hidden curriculum refers to the lessons, habits of mind, and accepted behaviors members of a group pick up by observation. Learn how to discover and guide these behaviors as a coach.
I’m a better coach because I was a stupid athlete. I developed knowledge, empathy, and awareness from my missteps. And I can spot the stupidity in my athletes a mile away.
Growing up I did a lot of drugs, sucked at sports, sucked at school, and spoke my mind. I'd make a crappy politician, but all these things make me a better coach. Curious why?
I am often asked, “How do I get better at coaching?” There are 3 vital areas to focus on - technical knowledge, communication, and business acumen. But how?
As a new coach, leading a group fitness class can be an overwhelming experience. Amidst the demands of leading a class, sometimes the true core of coaching is lost.
