Continuum Performance Center

Showing posts with label mental focus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mental focus. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

It's Not What You Know, It's What You Can Coach

In this field putting someone through a difficult workout isn't hard. In fact, it requires little skill, just enough knowledge of anatomy and a good playlist. On the flip side putting someone through a non-destructive, safe and progressive session is a skill. Doing that with a room full of 12 to 16 people? That's an art.


Planning the movement patterns (exercises), the order, the complimenting stretches or cardiovascular intervals is a lot of work. Not to mention sets, rest, intensity and volume. So much goes into one singular program by the time an individual coach gets into the session  there is a sigh of relief like "Finally! Let's do this". But there is where the failure begins. No matter how well you planned, studied and organized this session with the most meticulous detail the real effort hasn't even begun. You now have to get an individual(s) to execute that program they way in which you intended them to. You need to cue! It's up to you homeboy you are the one who needs to Bob Ross the shit out of it. You need the person who is looking at that same blank canvas, that wide open space and see it like you do. Happy little tree in the corner just like you saw it in your minds eye ...


So what in the hell am I ranting about? A plank. A squat. A crunch - all of them. "Lock your plank", "Drop your ass", or "Bring your chest to your knees" are movement commands, not cues. Methodically breaking down that exercise joint by joint and describing the muscle activation necessary to create movement is the KEY to a great program and having your participant(s) feeling the appropriate changes you intended. That is what we do.


Is this statement narcissistic? No, not at all. It’s factual. I speak to this topic on a very personal and passionate level. I have given a lot to this field and to my career and being at the top is very important to me and in no way an accident. It’s a choice and it’s not a given. I work my ass off to make it so. The greatest advantage I have is that over the last four years I am surrounded by professionals every day that are dedicating themselves the same way. So when someone asks me why they should train here? Why should I go to CPC? What’s the difference? I could point to the fact that we are all nationally certified coaches. Or that each of us hold our bachelor's degree in the field or are pursuing continuing education programs constantly. But, that's not it. Each of us are students of our craft and never take what we do for granted. It’s not a hobby, it’s our profession and we crush it day in and day out. Arrogant or not - that's the CPC difference.


-Sully

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Know Your "Why"

“Why are you here?” That is the question I ask in all of my initial consultations. Most common answers include: “To lose weight”,  “To get stronger”, or “To get in better overall shape.” These are all valid answers, but what I hope every client is thinking about is why do you want those things? Why are they so important to you? Why now? Why here? I don’t expect you to share these things, but it is important for you to know.
We have some subscribers who train every day and their hobby has now become a lifestyle. All lifestyle changes are accompanied with peaks and valleys. It isn’t easy to wake up an extra two hours early every morning to bust ass through a met con or exercise mental acuity to perform a proper front squat on a strength day. Knowing why you push yourself so hard week after week is essential to getting yourself through those valleys. It also makes enjoying those peaks that much sweeter.
Isn’t it odd to think that you are supposed to enjoy a hobby? I’ll be the first to say that when I am dying on the floor after a Saturday morning Boot Camp my first reaction is to tell my boss that he is an exercise bully, but deep down I LOVE every second! I have been through multiple knee surgeries and I know how it feels to be laid up without the ability to move. After my last surgery I took charge of my health and my body and I am reaping the benefits – even on days where I DO NOT WANT TO LIFT I go in there.  I enjoy it and get it done and focus on why I am there. I do my best to leave my negativity at the door, remember where I came from, and get a good workout in.
I ask again, why are you here. What do you really want / need out of your program? Use that internal drive to motivate you, to push yourself, and to hold yourself accountable. As much as I wish I could tell you the opposite, THE WORLD DOESN’T STOP TURNING BECAUSE YOUR DAY DIDN’T GO AS PLANNED. Know your why, take control of your life, and keep KICKING ASS!!

- TM