Be aware: this post may also be titled, “You know what really grinds my gears?”
I just had an interesting conversation with a local endurance athlete, Jen, who pointed out some good perspectives about our local trainer/coach community. The first thought we had was how unbelievably fortunate we are to have access to some resources and people that help progress endurance sports to the next level. The most recent being last week’s Santa Barbara Trail Runner’s event hosting of Unbreakable - a documentary about the Western States 100 Race from 2010. In addition to finding a venue, the club setup a Q & A section with the film’s director, one of the star athletes, as well as several regional athletes who have also completed the 100 mile race from Squaw Valley to Auburn, CA. While I don’t personally know the locals who participated in the event, I certainly left that night feeling empowered and inspired by their stories, in addition to the film. And if the independent clubs weren’t enough, this town has amazing variety of top-notch coaches, trainers, massage therapists, physical therapists, etc.
Of course, we discussed the opposite side of the trainer spectrum, too, and surprisingly we both had similar thoughts- some trainers/business owners in this town don’t understand what they should be doing. 1) They have financial pressures that don’t allow then to focus on their craft, 2) they’re too involved with being everyone’s best friend, 3) they believe motivation is enough of a tool to inspire someone, 4) or they’re content with not knowing more, and thus stuck in older training methods. So, in this spirit, (and perhaps to vocalize my vow of professionalism), I made a Top 5 list of what fitness pros should and shouldn’t be doing.
Top 5 Things a Trainer/Coach Should Be…
1. Progressing their current training clients to their desired goals, using proven scientific methods.
2. Consistently researching & testing new methods for fitness advancements.
3. Inspiring others with their own lifestyle and activities.
4. Coaching themselves towards their own personal goal.
5. Finding balance in their own personal/professional/training life.
Top 5 Things a Trainer/Coach Should NOT Be…
1. Signing up for local events, posting them to social media sites, saying “Who’s going to join me?!” (in an effort to acquire more active readers), when in-fact come race day, they’re actually sleeping-in.
2. Not exercising themselves, or setting their own fitness/athletic goals.
3. Posting stock photos of someone you’ve never met with a pretty motivating phrase behind it. I mean, feel free to post your own photos, or your client’s, (I love seeing actual results and progress!) but leave the sunset bikini model shots taken in Jamaica in Sports Illustrated.
4. Taking photos of clients with wretched form and posting them online. I understand you want to have an online presence. But, don’t worry about the picture- put down the camera and correct your clients posture before their discs herniate, please!
5. Content with lack of professional drive. If the coach/trainer doesn’t want to be a beast, an animal, a Garuda, a Quailien, etc, you (the client) will never be inspired.
What else did I miss from this list? What do you folks like and dislike about trainers & coaches in your local area? (Please no specific names)
Z