What Are You Doing.........?

The most under asked but probably most important question a Coach or PT should ask their athlete/client is "Why are you training? What do you want to achieve for yourself here?" To be fair the athlete/client should be asking themselves this as well, preferably before they engage in paid sessions or even before they take up any structured training activity, gym based or otherwise!

Have a clear idea of what your training goals are!

It really surprises me that even with all the information so freely available online on how to train, what different training regimes will do for you and the approximate timescales involved to achieve meaningful results that there are still so many people aimlessly wondering around the gym without any structure, rhyme or reason to their workout and yet are still hoping to achieve something!

Adaptation to training takes time, and progressive overload has to be utilised and adhered to in order to achieve these physiological changes. Whether you are looking to gain muscle or lose body fat the only way this will be achieved is by following a structured training programme that includes a detailed exercise plan, a weekly/monthly periodised schedule that includes all the recommended activities that need to be completed and sound nutritional advice.

Programme periodisation, progressive overload, adaptation to training

Which brings me right back around to the original question about what your training goals are. If you don't have a clear idea of the destination, how can you plan the journey!

Both client and coach need to be clear and on the same page with regards to training goals, lifestyle changes or sporting endeavours. If the client wants to gain muscle but the coach feels that the client should address movement and postural issues first then these training aims may be in conflict?

Clear communication is the key here with plenty of open questions. The coach should let the client talk and not impose their own preferred training programmes, goals or plans on the client. The client should have a clear goal and question the coach to ensure that their programme is designed to help them achieve their goals.

Be on the same page with clear & open communication!

In summary then; 

• The client should have clearly identified goals
• The coach should ensure they listen to what the clients goals are
• The coach should ensure that the programme reflects these goals
• as long as there are no reasons not to, either medical or as highlighted in the first assessment
• if there are any issues then the coach must make sure that the client fully understands how this is addressed in the programme and how it will benefit the client in the long run

Remember, be clear in what your goals are, make lifestyle changes that will last and create new "good" habits; don't cut corners for quick results.

Thank you for reading this blog, I hope you got something from it. Please feel free to give feedback or ask questions here on on my Get Coached FB page.