Evolve as a Coach and Sports Nutritionist
Evolve as a Coach and Sports Nutritionist
I remember a few months ago, my buddy Jace Lopez, Owner of Apex Training, and I were talking and he asked me, “What are you doing differently now than when you started? Your clients keep getting better.”
(First and foremost, I think I get to work with the most badass people in the country. They are the ones that deserve the credit.– I just give them the blueprint; they are the ones that have to bust tail day in and day out. Props given where props are due.)
But my answer to him was, “Almost Everything.”
Now this blog isn’t about the exact ways training and nutrition have evolved. It is about the truth of growing in business and craft. If you’re looking to learn how I bring people in so lean, visit the coaching CONTACT tab on the website 😉
Now…There are foundational principles of nutritional science and biochemistry that remain intact and will never change. Only select fundamental beliefs/personal views have really stuck. And to be honest, in another four years, I’ll be a different and better coach than I am now.
Sure- my clients were shredded when I started. C620 would have never become a business unless I was producing something that people wanted and belied in. But in this craft, EFFECTIVE and OPTIMAL are two different animals. My job is to always try and find the OPTIMAL approach for each client, learn their body better/faster, and increase my knowledge of physiology and biochemistry.
RANT:
Yes, there are some things that just work and there is no empirical evidence, only anecdotal. And I’m ok with that. If we only did what there was empirical evidence for, bodybuilding wouldn’t be a thing. There is so much that science can’t explain the mechanisms to yet.
But that’s not an excuse to ignore science.
Aside from the methodologies and practices that have evolved, the real way to advance as a coach lies between the ears and in the heart.
So how do you evolve as a coach?
10 Steps below.
Let’s start with the mind and attitude.
1) Go Low – So many coaches are too worried about making a name for themselves and getting a pat on the back. Be OK with going low and being stretched in craft without recognition.
2) Remain Novice – Remain in a place where you constantly feel like you need to absorb and process everything. Always be willing to learn from everyone.
3) Avoid Regurgitation – Fitness is an industry unlike any other, a demographic where it’s easy to look elite. So much nonsense is just regurgitated with out questions simply because someone who looks better than you said it.
If you are in the fitness world, you can bet that on some level someone is listening to you. It’s your responsibility to think before you speak. Like Alexander Pope said, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”
4) Recognize where you are weak –Whatever you understand the LEAST Focus on that, then reassess. Rinse, Wash, Repeat.
5) Document EVERYTHING. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Document every client, every adjustment, every time. Stimulus and response baby. Watch and learn.
6) Set deadlines. You should be pursuing your education daily. Set deadlines for yourself every quarter and every year for new certification. Attend any lecture, seminar, and symposium that pertains to your field or interest you.
7) Ask for help – and compensate those who help you …or at least offer. This“Castle of One” type pride has no place in the workplace, especially if people are paying you to enhance their quality of life and physique.
I say you need to compensate those who help you because most likely them helping you is taking time away from them making money. Them helping you is going to help you make more money. I met with a buddy of mine today that has his PhD in neuroscience for a few hours today. All he wanted was a steak sandwich and to hang out, but I paid him for spending his time with me. He is in med school as well to get his MD, and med school isn’t cheap. Although he didn’t ask for money, I left our meeting a better coach and he deserved to be compensated, especially since he was my friend.
8) Don’t take on too many clients.- It’s better to make less money and not have a watered down product than to take on more than you can handle.
9) Learn to serve – You can’t lead if you can’t serve others. Humility of heart will advance your career.
10) Leaders are readers. It’s that simple. BUT – process and think about what you read. Avoid being that person that reads an abstract on JISSN and post it as their worldview the second they exit out of the article window. Reading is so important for growth. It allows you to learn from those who have been where you want to go. It allows you to gain experience and exposure, as well explore new realms of creativity and ingenuity.
*The great Warren Buffett reads for 4-6 hours every morning. He starts everyday with 4-6 hours more information than everyone else. Think on that.
So after reading this, if you’re still here and not offended, but looking to improve your knowledge in fitness, here is a list of books from my library that I often refer back to. I think these are GREAT for anyone in the industry who is looking to make a career in impacting lives via health and fitness. (Some are more advanced- but can be worked up to over time)
Food Science:
Food Chemistry – Belitz, Grosch, Schielberle
Supplements:
Examine.com review pdf
Essentials of Sports Nutrition and Supplements (the old blue one)
General Nutrition:
Advanced Human Nutrition and Metabolism – Gropper
Know your Fats – Enig
Training:
Periodization – Haff
NSCA Essentials textbook
Tapering – Mujika
Science and Practice of Strength Training – Kraemer and Zatsiorsky
Exercise Phys:
ACSM’s Advanced Exercise Physiology
Skeletal Muscle Damage and Repair.- Peter Tiidus
Endocrinology:
Greenspan’s Basic Clinical Endocrinology
