Time to HIIT it!

Time, is it the most valuable commodity?

Maybe, but let’s face it if we could bottle time we would never need to worry about not having enough time ever again. We seem to have less time than ever to do things despite having so many time saving gadgets and gizmos at our disposal.

Work, family, hobbies and various other commitments all eat into our time and something generally has to give. Most of the time it’s something that we know we need to do but don’t necessarily want to do (as it involves time, sweat and maybe a little discomfort).

Most of us as parents also find that we neglect ourselves in looking after our children, other halves and even our parents. But we forget that in order to do our best for those that are most important to us we must be fit, well and able. We must make time to look after ourselves a little, not feel guilty at being a little selfish.

If time is the limiting factor then it is essential that you make the most of the time you create for yourself, and I say create because that’s what you have to do. That your training needs are carefully prioritised and that a plan is put in place to ensure you cover all of your health and fitness needs. This may mean that you will need to workout in such a way that you combine several training goals and fitness components into short, distinct programmes.

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and circuit type workouts like Crossfit and Metafit work well in this scenario. Strength gains, a metabolic boost, calorie afterburn, increased cardiovascular fitness as well as various health benefits are all achievable through HIIT. These are all possible from just a 20 to 30 minute workout.

A weekly plan should not be all HIIT though, some steady paced conditioning work and some strength training based around the compound lifts should also be included in your programme.

There are lots of free programmes and plans available on the internet. However, these will be either generic or copied straight from a high level athletes training blog post which would be unsuitable for most of us. For a time efficient programme to be effective it must be designed specifically for the individual, for you.

The HIIT Works by Get Coached is a closed Facebook group that provides generic workouts and challenges but can also provide bespoke programmes, coaching and lifestyle advice. To find out more you can visit my Facebook page Get Coached where you will find some example workouts as well as the links to set you up and register your request to join The HIIT Works by Get Coached.

If you have any questions or just want to find out more before you commit ten please feel free to message me via my Facebook page or email tsilvester@getcoached.net

It's a two way thing!

The ability to communicate (eloquently in some cases) is what separates us from the animals. It is something we learn but it is also something that is innate.

Communication is essential if there is to be understanding, and it’s definitely a two way thing.

What I mean by this is that sometimes one just needs to shut up and listen! This applies more to us coaches than the athletes or clients we work with, in fact it can be tough getting them to talk at all sometimes!

It's a two way thing!

Learning to listen, I mean really listen to what is being said can be a real challenge for some and is very easy for others. I have been told I am a good listener, I certainly like to think I am. I am not sure if this is because I am hard of hearing and from a young age have had to concentrate on what people are saying or if I do actually just pay more attention to what is being said? Whichever one it is it certainly has helped me to understand what my athlete’s and client’s needs are and to use their input and feedback to help them achieve their targets and goals.

Learn to listen!

Getting people to talk, asking the right questions and knowing when to stay silent can really help in getting a better understanding of our clients and athletes. These are basic skills that any coach should have no matter their field of expertise. If we are to do our best for our athletes then we have to be able to listen to what they need, or sometimes ask the right questions so that they are clear on what they need which may not be the same as what they want. It is down to the coach to identify, to draw out from their client what it is they need to improve, goals, targets etc.

Likewise, our clients and athletes must be able to ask us questions, challenge us and demand a high standard of expertise and knowledge from us in helping them achieve their goals and targets.

Ask questions, search for answers!

I know this is a fairly basic article and I am sure there are many, many articles and blogs out there with far more content and detail on communication. However, the point I am making here is a simple one. Talk, listen, ask questions, search for answers, it is all about communicating with each other. As I said, it’s a two way thing!

Thanks for reading this far, I hope this helps and that you’ll communicate more.

Visit www.getcoached.net and leave your email to receive updates right into your inbox.