Rules of Training, Lifting, and More.

Nurtitionist and author Michael Pollan, Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food, and Food Rules, has a great rule he suggests we use in regards to health.

The rule is...
“Be the kind of person who takes supplements – then skip the supplements"

Having the passion and awareness to take care of your body, but instead of filling it with manufactured pills and powders, find it with real food instead.  A simple, yet succinct way of describing a positive relationship between oneself and their body.

I wanted to take a couple stabs at these rules in regards to training, athletics, youth sports, and coaching.

Lifting
"Be the person who will go until failure- then do 80% of that."

Training
"Be the person "who will die on a treadmill' (see video below)-then prepare and adapt."


Practicing a skill
"Be the person who will go the extra mile- then use deliberate practice constantly."

Youth Sports (more for parents)
"Be the parent who will do anything to see their kid succeed- then allow them enjoy their childhood."

Coaching
"Be the coach that knows every detail of your craft- then focus on the relationship to your athletes."

And lastly
"Be the person who finds the positive in everything- then attack your weaknesses."

What ones would you come up with?

Workout at Max Shank's gym

The past couple Saturday's I've had the opportunity to workout at Ambition Athletics with Max Shank and his crew in Encinitas, CA.  Max is stupid strong and it pushes me to try new things and see what I can improve to somewhat keep up with him.  Below is a video of some fun stuff he has at his gym that I get to mess around on.  Max also knows more about the body than most anatomy teachers and is a great coach.  He gives me some great feedback and see's my compensations.  I'm already looking forward to next Saturday's workout. 

My Highlights of 2011

2011 was one of the best years of my life.  I've completely grown in every aspect of my life from coaching to my internal relationship with myself.  I feel more confident, happy, and fortunate than ever before. Below are some of the major highlights that I wanted to share because researching or taking part in these will only benefit you. 

1.  Brain Highways- 
This hands down was and still is the most interesting program I've ever come across.  I was fortunate enough to join their team and be apart of something truly special.  This program is years ahead of its time looking at neuroplasticity and brain reorganization.  The brain can most certainly change. Do yourself a favor and just go through the website. 

2. Dr. Rintala and DNS- 
A close second has been learning about Dynamic Neuromuscular Stablization (DNS) from Dr. Mike Rintala.  I came across DNS through some contacts and Dr. Rintala happened to be located 5 minutes from my house.  Since I am not a physical therapist, ATC, or chiropractor I am not allowed to practice DNS, but being aware of developmental kinesiology and it's role in movement has been an eye opener.  Seeing the changes and improvements with myself and a couple of athletes has been jaw dropping.  It is a first cousin of Brain Highways in my opinion.

3. Seattle Sounders Mentorship
I met some "wicked smhaaaat" people at this event.  Dave Tenney and his old sidekick, Jordan Webb, did an outstanding job bringing in some of the brightest coaches, nutritionists, and researchers around for a weekend that made me realize I will never have time to learn enough.  Along with Tenney and Webb, speakers Patrick Ward, Joel Jameison, Darcy Norman, Tim Monaco, and Michael Orendurff provided some outstanding insight into energy systems, sports specific training, and stress.  These events also leave you with some great friendships and contacts.  I'm sure Dave is putting it on again this year, so sign up.

4.  Long Beach Perform Better Summit-
As always Perform Better puts on a great educational event.  Read about my favorite presenters here.  More than anything you get to make more contacts and I personally enjoyed meeting the attendees that I know through strengthcoach.com and Facebook.

5. Working out with Dan John
Dan John is a mix of Rodney Dangerfield and Obi-Wan Kenobi, entertaining and so very wise.   He's been coaching for 20+ years and still has the passion of an intern.  The best part is I email him out of the blue, he has no idea who I am, and invited me to workout with him the next morning.  Kind of a good guy..... 

6. Connecting with some great minds....
This year I had the chance to meet or talk on the phone with Brian McCormick, Charlie Weingroff, Chris Dubois, Dewey Neilson, Elsbeth Vaino, Tim Vagen, Dave Jack, Jeremy Frisch, Anthony Renna, Lee Taft, all the attendees at Sounders FC mentorship, Ray Lokar, and probably a handful of others.  One of my favorite characteristics of our industry is that the great coaches do nothing but help younger coaches like myself.  They make time to email, call or meet even when their schedules are packed. 

"Good" is Not Enough

2012.  Since we only have another year left before the Mayan's said the world will end, might as well make it a good one. 

Along with the new year comes all the resolutions.  I'm not the biggest fan of new years resolutions because if it's that important, you would already be doing it.  However, I like that it's a time of year to reflect on what you want to progress or change.  As always, write it down. 

One resolution I have made this year is to stop saying a word that is vague, labeling, and a waste of noise. 

"Good."

At first it looks positive but it's been my achilles heal for a while now.  Since I first started as an intern, I had the habit of saying "good" all the time.  No matter if the athlete was efficient or inefficient, the first word out of my mouth always was good.  How vague and aimless is that?  The athlete's had no idea what was good, and furthermore I feel it makes them complacent of improving because I just labeled them.

Who knows why I automatically say it, could be some sort of insecurity, nervous habit, or I just like to hear my own voice.  Whatever the reason is, I am going to break the habit.  I have already started, by consciously saying what I liked or want to improve instead of "good."  For instance, "That's how you get your hips back," or "nice job adjusting your position." Even better when it's not what I was looking for, I get to ask them the question on what they think could improve.

I still fight it though, this habit is not easy for me to break.  I use my athlete's as a nicotine patch.  Their job is to give me 20 push-ups every time I say "good," "nice," or any other vague word that they feel wasn't productive instruction.  They love nothing more to dish these out, and it makes me a better coach. 

My words are now more concise, purposeful, instructive, and it keeps the atmosphere light when the coach has to drop and give them 20.  

What ways could you improve your communication this year?  Do you have a common phrase that only creates more noise?  Let me know!