Comments on: Are You Doing What You Want Or….

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:54:27 +0000

Lee: Another great article! We now live, work, and train in an world where more information (good and bad) is availabe from more sources (good and bad) than ever. Much of this information our clients have seen or heard about and believe that is the “program” for them. As such, our integrity and ethos is often challenged. I have lost several clients because of this, but your article will be very helpful, i.e. I will give a little to get a lot more. Thanks, Steve

By: Mannsraekt

Mannsraekt — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:03:30 +0000

Thanks for another great post Lee.
Keep ‘em coming.
K.Ó.

By: alex molden

alex molden — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:34:42 +0000

Well said Lee! Parents and most of the times the young athletes want to strap on harnesses or parachutes on the first day….even though they have terrible technique. Or do depth jumps on the second day.

By: Andrew Eaton

Andrew Eaton — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:34:57 +0000

This is a great question, Lee. The number one rule in training has always been, ‘Give the client what s/he wants.’ The ethical problem we face is that we often know that what the client asks for is not necessarily what the client needs. Most clients/athletes come in with an injury or nagging problem related to a repeated poor motion pattern, which we know will take some time to resolve. I’ve found that the best approach is to have a frank discussion with the client, explaining that we are absolutely going to be working toward her goals, and what the workouts will include. The conversation is an opportunity to field any questions about what we will be doing (or not doing) and why.

Keep up the great work, Lee. Hope to see you at the IYCA Summit!

Andrew

By: Dave

Dave — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:27:33 +0000

I interview the client -I explain my philosophy- I listen to their needs- I briefly describe the way we will achieve their goals- I show them my equipment and extol my past successes- I believe in my training methods and expect them to follow my direction. The End.

By: Tony Poggiali

Tony Poggiali — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 20:00:24 +0000

I definitely agree with you Lee! There are so many “toys” that are being marketed to strength coaches and business owners that the temptation to buy everything sometimes usurps the fundamental concepts of teaching, developing and implementing irrespective of how much “stuff” you have. Plus, with so much competition targeting youth athletes, the average person may be sucked into a facility that has all the bells and whistles but does not provide the correct instruction and/or the results necessary for optimal success.

By: Danny Walker

Danny Walker — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:58:04 +0000

Its amazing what clients and potential clients think they need. I’m certified through the IYCA as a youth fitness and speed agility and quickness. Along with certifications from NASM and a former college basketball player. I have witnessed parents who think the only way to improve whether its basketball skills, speed and agility is through extremely intense workouts. They do not understand that its a science behind everything and through education and experience I have design the regimens according to the needs of the athlete. They would rather you run the kids to death and that’s a good workout for them. I call these types of trainers “maintainer” because they do not progress the skill level of the athlete and meeting them where they are currently. The kid stays the same skill-wise and only improve in their cardiovascular system. I have lost a number of athletes due to this, because I refuse to jeopardize my integrity as a basketball skill trainer or fitness professional. But I have witnessed this in a variety of arenas in youth sports/training.

DWalk