Everyone is an Athlete

Next up for the presenters was Todd Durkin. He brought tons of energy to his presentation, which was very cool because I was sitting in the bleachers and even after only an hour or so my body was hurtin'. I feel bad for the folks sitting near me who had to put up with all my fidgeting. Anyway, he probably emphasized the two most important take away points for me from the entire day:

1. Treat EVERYONE like an athlete
2. Deliver a FUN experience

The first point I've adhered to since beginning in this field but it was great for that point to be repeated over and over by all the presenters. It is our jobs as coaches to unleash the inner athlete in everyone. The second part is just as important. We are talking about exercise. It should always be fun. When we are kids exercise is all about play. And at some point when we become adults exercise becomes work to be dreaded and avoided. This needs to change if we are to reverse the effects of obesity and type 2 diabetes and all the other aflictions people suffer from due to a sedentary lifestyle. And I think this is difference between a personal trainer and a Coach. I like to think of myself as a Coach as opposed to a personal trainer. Anybody can be a personal trainer by doing some research and putting some exercises together on a piece of paper and shadowing a client and counting reps. A Coach, on the other hand, has a connection with the athletes and is able to make it fun. That's what I'm striving to be. I don't think I'm there yet, but I'll get there.

Another interesting point he made was about genetic potential. Only 16% - 18% of our entire athletic potential is dictated by genetics. The rest is a whole hell of a lot of hard work. This goes for weight loss as well. Yes, gentics has a little bit to do with your weight but you still have complete control of over 80% of your potential.

His hands on was very cool too. I do believe you don't need tons of equipment but you do need the "right" equipment. In this case I'm talking about suspension systems, bands, ropes, med balls, and agility ladders. He coached over 50 people at the same time using only the above pieces of equipment...and it was fun! When I open up my facility these are the kinds of equipment you'll find.