Going Back to School

How many of you strength coaches, trainers, etc…have put yourselves under the watchful eye of another “teacher” lately? I’m not talking about your regular training partner who may also be a fellow staff member of the facility you work in. I’m speaking specifically about lacing up your shoes for someone whom you’ve never met, and completely subjecting yourself back into the role of a “student”.

Recently, I had the pleasure today of attending Movement U and subjecting myself under the watchful eye of Jessi Stensland.

This was a valuable experience for myself, not only as a professional, but also as an athlete who, like everyone else, spends countless pushing my own physical limits. And while I always strive for ideal form and proper mechanics, I may not always be doing what I think I am doing. As such, it was nice to have the eyes of another professional picking apart my leaky valves…aka, my flaws. Take a look above, my right knee is in slight valgus and my tibia is externally rotated…something I have not noticed since I don’t like training in front of a mirror.

Last year I raced Ironman Canada hiding all sorts of injuries. It pays as a sports doc and strength coach to know what to do to be able to make it to the start line. I never felt pain, but deep down I knew I had the potential to blow up. This year, on the other hand, the goal is to think like a doctor, train like a coach, and perform like an athlete!

So whether or not you are an expert or intern, independent of “talking shop” with another colleague or taking notes at a national conference, every now and then I suggest everyone “working” in the industry to take part in an interactive learning session and physically fall back into the “student” role.

Core Performance Endurance Core Performance Endurance, co-authored by one of the pioneers of...
Ultimate Hockey Development A new site for coaches, trainers, medical professionals, and hockey...
Movement U Movement U is coming to Canada! What will YOU be...
Dr. Stuart McGill in Toronto A recent publication by Dr. McGill and an upcoming course...
Final Sports Rehab to Sports Performance Teleseminar Tonight's guest will be Strength Coach, Eric Cressey....