When I was a kid, the title Coach only really popped up when watching sporting movies from the US.
For movies like Rocky, Karate Kid and Cool Runnings, see Mickey, Mr Miyagi and Irv Blitzer all starring in this pivotal role.
They all had different coaching styles.
Mickey was the tough, uncompromising, boxing coach
Mr Miyagi, the thoughtful and quiet practitioner
And Irv? Well, Irv was the larger the life, fly by the seat of his pants, brash, motivator.
Great Coaches Focus on the Person Not Just The Technique
What did they all have in common (other than being fictional characters!)?
They reached the athlete they coached on a personal, not just on a technical, level
Famed athletics coach Frank Dick sums it up best when he surmised:
“Coaching requires strength both in technical skills and people skills. No matter how strong you are in the technical, without the people you will be ineffective.”
History will show the coach who fails to connect emotionally with their client will struggle to help them achieve long term success.
As a result of this methodology, Frank coached Sebastian Coe, Daley Thompson and Steve Ovett to European, Olympic and World successes.
What Does This Mean For Me?
Whilst the goals and aspirations of the average recreational exerciser like you or me will differ from that of the elite athlete, the best way to achieve them doesn’t.
First up, pro and elite athletes know they need a coach (or more than one in many cases) to help them build a comprehensive, structured plan to achieve their goals.
You’re no different.
If you’re anything like me, time is your most valuable, and least abundant, resource.
You’ve got the pressures of life, family, career, friends to cope with, and only 24 hours each day in which to do so.
That means when you get time to focus on yourself, your fitness, health and nutrition, you need to maximise your return from the time you invest.
You need a coach!
Damien found the same was the case for him after emigrating from South Africa.
Read more about his story here
How do I know if this is true for me?
Let’s look at how you’re currently focused on achieving your goals.
Are you:
– not training at all
– training at home on your own
– using a swipe card to access an equipment only facility
– in a group with 16-50 other people being shouted at
– at a group training facility being left to your own devices because you know what you’re doing
If any of these apply to you, then finding the right coach for you is your next step to success.
How do I choose a Coach?
How do you find any professional you’ve previously worked with?
If you’ve worked with a Lawyer, Accountant, Architect or other professional occupation, you’ll have likely had a discovery call with them first prior to engaging their services.
You’ll have discussed what it is you want to achieve, and you’ll have received a prescription from said professional detailing how they can help you achieve your plans.
Choosing a coach is no different.
The best coaches want to sit down with you, 1 to 1, and hear what it is you want to achieve.
Your first step is to shortlist Coaches who offer introductory consultations prior to getting you training.
They’ll listen to you more than they talk, ask questions specific to you and your goals, and then they’ll prescribe a plan to help get you there.
They’ll discuss the importance of sleep, nutrition, relaxation and hydration in your plan as much as they’ll sing the praises of exercise.
All this before you’ve done your first workout.
I mean, your builder isn’t going to start building your house before you agree on the plans!
Next time, we’ll talk more about how the best Coaches develop trust and help you build consistency.
If you’d like to get your personalised prescription for success, click this link to arrange your free consultation with one of our professional coaches today