5 + 1 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH A STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH AS AN ATHLETE

You’re an athlete and you don’t know what a strength and conditioning coach does or how they can help you. This blog is for you! Having a strength and conditioning could be the missing link between you going from just being an “average” athlete to being an “elite” athlete!

1 – Strength and Conditioning Coaches plan and periodise your training.

With a strength and conditioning coach, they will know how to best structure your training week to ensure you’re getting the most out of your training. A lot of the time, athletes make the mistake of cramming way too much into their training schedule. This leads to poor recovery and poor performance in competition and at training. If you would some more information on how to monitor your training, read our blog TRAIN SMART AND HARD.

2 – Strength and Conditioning Coaches keep you accountable.

There are many reasons as to why there may be barriers to you adhering to a gym program. It could be work, study, family issues, an intimidating environment or not enjoyable; the list could go on and on! (trust us, we’ve heard every excuse under the sun). The one barrier that we 100% do NOT accept is that “I don’t have time.”

These are all barriers that can be worked around, and S&C coaches are here to make it work! We know many athletes simply need that extra push in the gym and by helping you creating a plan that you have input in, there should be no reason why you shouldn’t be getting in the gym and putting in the work!

3 – Strength and Conditioning Coaches teaches you to train safely and effectively.

Part of training safely and effectively is knowing when to push and when to pull back. For example, a time where you could really push your training volume in the gym is when you’re in pre-season or a general preparation period. As there are no competitions during this time, this means it’s the perfect time to develop your physical capacities.

In contrast, a time where you would need to pull back your training volume is when you’re in competition or a few weeks out from a fight. During this time, the priority should be recovery for the following week’s game or staying sharp but ready for your fight.

4 – Strength and Conditioning Coaches monitor your training status as an athlete

Usually, strength and conditioning coaches will ask you simple questions like “how’s the body feeling?” or “how did you pull up the other night?” Strength and conditioning coaches don’t ask you these questions to annoy athletes. They are genuinely interested in how you present on the day in the gym. This is so they can determine whether you need adjustments for the session or for the week. Additionally, strength and conditioning coaches will track your progress as an athlete through testing so you can understand whether what you are doing is working.

5 – Strength and Conditioning Coaches guide you to reach your goals

Strength and conditioning coaches are here to help you achieve your goals whatever they may be. Winning premierships, championship belts or gold medals; strength and conditioning coaches will go the extra mile to maximise your chances of getting there. We love seeing athletes having fun and succeeding along the way. To be able to achieve your goals, it means that being available for training and competition is extremely important as this will maximise your time homing in on your craft. Remember: the best ability is availability. One of the best ways you can mitigate your risk of injury is by putting in the work in the strength and conditioning department.

+1 – A good strength and conditioning coach cares for you not just as an athlete but a person.

As an athlete you should look to surround yourself around good people. Good strength and conditioning coaches can almost become another social support system. As you work more closely together, many athletes see strength and conditioning coaches as another mentor.