I have been fortunate enough to have known a few of the outstanding individuals in the Fitness Industry in this part of the world. I learned some valuable insights from their words and most importantly their actions. Writing them down is a good way of remembering and acknowledging them, and also a way of sharing these “secrets” so others can benefit from also. Their achievements in their sport and in life is proof that they do not just talk but they make things happen. Here are some of the lessons I learned from people I look up to as my mentors:
1. “Walang naka – ukit sa bato.” (Nothing is written in stone)
When referring to training. It is a very short sentence but takes some time of observation and actual experience to fully understand. It means that there is not one way of training for a particular goal; that references are guidelines but the Strength Coach should modify them to make a training program produce the best results for a particular athlete for a particular situation. (From R.E. T. – one of the very first and most experienced Strength and Conditioning Coaches in the Philippines and in Hong Kong).
2. Barbells and kettlebells are a good investment
Barbells require minimum maintenance. Kettlebells are almost damage proof. Just don’t leave them outdoors since the handles would rust. But a quick sandpapering would instantly solve the problem. (From my J.T.- a former Champion Bodybuilder, Boxing Coach, a very good brother and role model)
3. As long as you are true in what you do, you will succeed
As long as you are sincere in training yourself, or in training other people, you would make progress. Being honest to oneself removes false expectations. (From S.C.- a world famous KB teacher and Strength and Conditioning Coach).
4. Be very good in one technique, but improve your other techniques as well
Be it in sports or in lifting weights, we would have a favorite move. When it comes to being a Strength and Conditioning Coach, it is best to be very proficient in one particular method but still be open minded to accept other training concepts. That way, you can have a method that you can always rely on but also have some options just in case the situation calls for a different approach. (From D.C. – a champion judoka athlete during his time and a well respected National Coach).
5. The athlete has to want it more than the coach, if the coach wants it more than the athlete, then you have a problem
Working with athletes by training them to be stronger brings personal satisfaction to me since it shows that I can contribute and that I am useful. But not all athletes, or clients in other cases, are self motivated. The Strength Coach is not the athlete. It is the athlete or client who should train. If the athletes are self motivated, they will make great progress. But no amount of coaching can help someone who does not want to improve because change starts from within. (From P.C-C. – one of the few Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach Emeritus, a highly respected Strength and Conditioning Coach and teacher).
I find these 5 tips very applicable to my line of work. Sometimes it may take years for one to realize their meaning. It is better to share them rather than keeping them a secret. They help make better coaches, trainees, and athletes. If we understand these 5 simple advice, we can Train better, Live Better!
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