Lessons learnt in strength and conditioning: Diary of an Intern

So a year has almost passed now for my Internship with Excelsior and I have learnt many lessons and valuable information that I will take on with me throughout my career.

3 points learnt:

Running technique – I have never looked into running technique as thoroughly as I have with James. It’s been fascinating learning each phase and how to make the whole motion energy efficient. It’s helped my own running and I have passed this newly learnt skill onto some of my gymnasts and clients too.

Diets for athletes – My specialty in my Personal Training is diets for weight loss, so to look further into diets for athletes during all the different seasons through their year has been very useful.

Structures of training programs for athletes – Again, my strength lies in making programs for my clients who are not of the athletic standard and they don’t have  seasons to prepare for. Seeing what areas of fitness to work on at different times of the year has helped when I train my gymnasts though.

3 things surprised by

How much technology can help you with coaching – There are so many great apps out there to help make planning of coaching a lot easier and smoother for a coach. No more papers getting blown away by the wind!

How much pressure is put on young athletes – I still find it quite shocking how schools and some team coaches expect young athletes to do EVERY sport they can and still get on with school work and, at the end of the day, be kids still! Over training is too common in young athletes and a lot drop out due to the overload and pressure put on them!

Why teachers and coaches don’t recommend strength and conditioning coaching to their athletes – Watching the group of young athletes that I have been working with improve and grow every session has been brilliant! The difference is quite staggering! Parents say they are seeing the improvements in the kids games. Why teachers don’t push for me kids to join classes like James’ is beyond me.

3 things to work on

Reading and research – Learning is a never ending task but I know myself that I need to do a lot more reading and research as I didn’t go up to the university level. This isn’t a bad thing at all, it just means I need to find sources of information myself and take them in.

Confidence in myself – I have learnt that making mistakes is only natural, and is a learning curve. But this is still something I will need to work on to make my coaching stronger and more beneficial.

The business side of coaching (and personal training) – Getting contacts and branching out is just as important as the actual coaching. You can learn from so many different people and there is nothing wrong with a helping hand now and then. 

It might help you to relax. Gemma Robertson