SPORTS
The Science Of Coaching By Jonny Parr
What does it take to become a qualified fitness instructor or personal trainer? As Absolute Health & Fitness’ Jonny Parr explains, physical fitness is only one element of becoming an exceptional coach. As for the rest, let’s head back to the classroom… Learning From School-Teachers Whether you’re a personal trainer, fitness coach or body transformation guru, we can all learn from primary and secondary school-teachers. As a physical education (PE ) teacher for many years, the process of becoming one and putting those skills to practice is an amazing and hugely worthwhile learning experience.
I admire teachers on a number of levels. From what I’ve experienced and witnessed, the job is difficult, challenging, and hugely productive. The skills teachers possess and have developed are nothing short of inspiring. Here are some that us fitness professionals can learn from.
Preparation Teachers in schools prep for everything. Whether it’s lesson plans, pupil assessments, self-assessments, or arranging a safe working environment for students, no area of preparation is disregarded. The same has to be true within fitness. Firstly, assessing clients is important before they embark on a program. Usually this is in the form of a health consultation, fitness tests and a movement screen. Collecting data will aid the programs you prescribe and, importantly, make your client aware of their current state of affairs and the process they’re about to commit to.
Re-assessment is also important in order to gauge whether clients are actually getting results. Re-assessing their body-fat or fitness test results will identify whether the program is working, next steps and, crucially, help motivate clients. Accountability for all concerned is also vital if clients are to reach their goals and re-assessing keeps both coach and client enthused to do so.
Environment I’ve been to the Doha English Speaking School (DESS) a number of times and what immediately strikes me are their humbling classrooms. They’re always filled with an abundance of colour, with displays recognizing each student’s achievements. The lighting is always bright and teachers carefully collaborate the positioning of their furniture and resources. All in all, their classrooms are the perfect learning environment as they facilitate a child’s motivation, mood and the tools necessary to teach their learning objectives.
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a Trainer Jonny Parr (right) leads k corporate training session with Maers Oil employees at Al Jazi Compound Photo Credit: Jessie Palanca
for my PGDE and they ‘pounded’ us with countless CPD classes on an array of topics such as making the most of our resources, different teaching and learning styles (Mosston’s), and the importance of integrating with other teaching departments. Learning more is hugely advantageous from both a personal and work perspective. The fitness industry changes every day with new information, whether good or bad. Keeping up to date by learning new material and, importantly, filtering through the junk is essential for your development. This may be in the form of certifications such as the Westside Barbell or Precision Nutrition’s certifications – both available online. Additionally, more hands-on certifications include those provided by International Fitness Alliance. TRX classes, kettlebell classes, whatever interests you. Building an arsenal of qualifications will leave you in good stead.
Fitness professionals can learn from this given the environment we coach in. Whether it’s a gym or outdoor location, safety-checks should be the priority before any client arrives. Are there dumbbells lying in a hazardous area? Is the air-con working? Do clients have access to water? It may seem extreme, but a safety checklist is a great means of organizing and making sure you have all initial welfare bases covered. Another matter of consideration is the general aura of where your clients train. Is the gym intimidating? Do meatheads curl in the squat rack? Does your client get embarrassed in front of others? Getting to know your client or clients goes a long way and you have a responsibility to build an environment where they feel motivated and above all else safe and secure.
CPD (Continuous Professional Development) Continuous self-improvement and learning is essential in all professions. I can remember studying
Reading as often as possible is also a great way to develop professionally. Free online articles are available from reliable sources such as T-Nation (fitness), Precision Nutrition or Tim Ferris (lifestyle). Great books include Engineering The Alpha by John Romaniello and Adam Bornstein, and The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris. Whatever you decide, studying should never stop – whatever your age or circumstances. In doing so, both you and your clients will benefit massively.
Teaching/Coaching Styles I previously touched upon Mosston’s Spectrum of Teaching Styles – every PE teacher has probably heard of this guy. For those who haven’t, he developed a range of learning styles that aimed to cater for all students. Everyone learns by different means. In its’ simplest form, we tend to adopt some of the following: • Visual: pictures, images, spatial understanding • Verbal: words, writing, speech • Aural: sound, music
• Physical: use of body, touch • Logical: reasoning, systems • Social: group settings, working with people • Solitary: working alone, self-study In the fitness domain, clients learn differently. Physical learning methods are perhaps recognized as the most effective in our industry but avenues such as key visual cues can be just as important. For example, recording and playing back particular exercises of a client performing them can help aid in key coaching points. Importantly, much like teaching it’s best to have only two or three maximum coaching points per session. Overburdening a client will lead to confusion and frustration. Making clear the points you see as most important will pay dividends in their performance. Your clients will also likely prefer to learn in a social (CrossFit) or solitary (one-on-one PT) setting. The aural style of learning can also be important as there’s no denying specific music can help a client concentrate and remain motivated. The take-away point is to be aware that individuals learn differently. Your ability as a coach/trainer to differentiate by whatever means necessary will help your clients immensely. Teaching is an awe-inspiring profession that everyone – particularly fitness pros –can learn from. The level of interaction and experience they have from working with individuals and groups of people is hugely commendable. There are countless areas in which we can learn from teachers – their preparation, environment, CPD and teaching/ learning styles are only four of a very long list. Now, let’s forgive them for their unfair summer-long holidays! n Jonny Parr is the founder and CEO of Absolute Health & Fitness. For more information on personal training options call 3385-2696 or visit www.absolutehealthandfitness.org.
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