Smart Training Results in Optimizing Natural Gains

I work mostly with high school and middle school aged athletes. At Ullucci Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy we have adapted what I call the S.T.R.O.N.G. principle.  What this acronym stands for is Smart Training Results in Optimal Natural Gains.  What I try to do as the first strength and conditioning coach these young athletes have come in contact with and with many possibly will ever come in contact with is to try to empower them with knowledge in the basic principles of training.  I have found that by educating them on and not dictating to them my training methods these young athletes are able to make correct choices outside the weight room which have more of an impact on their gains from the weight room than any program design I could ever create.  As their strength coach my influence only goes so far, and for my program design to work I need them to make smart choices outside the weight room. I can get them to do anything in the weight room. But, can I get them to get enough sleep, eat right, avoid the temptation of drugs and alcohol.  I find that the approach of making the athlete not just a better athlete but a smarter athlete has helped my young trainees to make good choices out of the weight room which has helped them to achieve optimal gains from their training.

I have realized just how much as a coach I am able to influence young athletes in the ability to make good choices.  There is so much information on Performance Enhancing Drugs and Supplements available on the internet that many athletes will choose to look to a web page for advice before discussing this information with their coaches.  I don’t beat around the bush with my athletes if they ask me what the benefits of Steroids are I tell them I don’t lie because they will find out by searching online anyway.  But, after I answer their question I bring up the moral and the ethical decisions they may not have thought about. Think about it as a Coach how many times have you been asked about Steroids and Supplements.  Now, think about how many times you have been asked questions on sleep requirements, nutritional requirements, is outside stress in my life affecting my training, and etc.  I bet the Steroids and Supplement questions by far come more often than the other questions.  So perhaps if when you lay out your training program design take a few minutes to explain why you are doing the exercises, why the set and rep structure is set up that way, explain the premise of the rest intervals, and etc.  You will find that the Athlete or trainee will appreciate your effort and will begin to ask more questions on the theory and practice of the science behind Performance Enhancement via training and will not ask nearly the questions Performance Enhancement via drugs and supplements.