As another decade comes to a close, the end of 2009 marks 10 full years I’ve been a strength, speed, and conditioning coach. There’s been ups and downs, and many “AH-HA” moments. Below you’ll find, in no particular order, the 10 biggest mistakes I’ve made. People have created lists like this before… now you’ll have insight how far I’ve come.
1. Not listening to other people’s explanations before forming an opinion
Steven R. Covey says to “Seek first to understand before being understood”. I’ve embarrassed myself more than once by derailing fitness programs before I knew all the details. Not anymore.
2. Not reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective People sooner
Speaking of Steven R. Covey, his book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has been a guiding factor in my coaching, mentoring, and personal relationships. Buy the book today and actually read it.
3. Coaching with a my-way or high-way attitude
Since I’ve opened myself to different training beliefs, I’ve become a smarter coach and better asset to my athletes. You’ll never know everything – that’s a fact.
This past spring marked the first ever performance camp at the Linsly School in Wheeling, WV. These girls flat out exceeded all expectations for desire and willingness to train hard.
Think your team is ready for it’s first performance camp? Call today to schedule a FR*EE training session with your athletes. (724) 747-6229
I can’t say enough about Coach Erica Hall.. someone who was willing to go outside her comfort zone, seek my help, and provide opportunities for her athletes. After taking over the head coaching responsibilities for soccer this year, Coach Hall knew she had to create change. And did she ever. Here’s what she had to say:
Using medicine balls in your workouts?? If you’re not – start. Immediately. Medicine balls just might be the most versatile bang for your buck. I’ve been using Dynamax medicine balls for Upper Saint Clair’s preseason conditioning and can honestly see an overall difference the last 4 weeks. The girls are more fit, explosive, stronger, and aggressive than the last four years. Not sure what the season holds for the team, but I do know they’ll be ready physically.
Attached you’ll find the 46 medicine ball exercises I’m using, in different combinations, with the athletes. Print these out and get to work. (Note: not all the movements have descriptions. If you need explanations, shoot me an email and I’ll help you out.)
Hey, hope you’re doing well and have the right mindset going into another week. I know I do as this weekend many ‘To Do’ lists were prepared around the Rizor household… shelving for the garage, new equipment for the gym, new light fixtures, basement redesign, etc. The list goes on..
If you’re following me on Twitter (follow me here) and Facebook (are we friends yet?) you also know I’m in the process of convincing the Mrs. that we need a new truck… I mean SUV.
We test drove one Saturday morning in the rain – had to see if she was comfortable in the big rig. Turns out Kel really liked it, enough to sit and talk numbers. Then the strangest thing happened. The dealership owner (who’s a friend) worked on some figures and slid the paper across his desk in our direction. We looked down, looked at the numbers, looked at each other, and without saying a word we both had the same thought: “We’ll, that was fun. Felt good to drive a new vehicle, but this guy is out of his G-D mind if he thinks we’re paying that for a vehicle.” Back to the drawing board and back to the internet to find the truck of my (our) dreams. Wish me luck!
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I really hope you’re not confused. I mean, with all the info I give you guys at workouts and on my blog I hope you’re still not under the impression a strength & conditioning coach and personal trainer are the same thing. With respect to personal trainers, I can tell you the #1 difference between their goals and mine lie in the depth of program design.
My goals for athletes, boiled down into the simplest terms are improved strength, speed, and conditioning. Athletes have to be strong to be fast. The have to be fast if they ever hope to play, and you gotta be in shape otherwise everything else is for nothing.
I bring up the topic of strength & conditioning coach and/or personal trainer because of a conversation I had last week. “All yea Ryan, I get it. You’re like a personal training or something.” I’ll take the ‘or something’. Take a look at this article and see what others have to say about the S&C coach vs. personal trainer debate. http://tinyurl.com/yd89zhu
1. Not listening to other people’s explanations before forming an opinion
