As a strength coach, my overall goal is to help make training for sports as effective as possible. The off-season and time available for training is limited. I will help an athlete use their time in the weight room effectively. Also, I have a responsibility to promote proper training form for all movements and to make sure athletes are not running themselves into the ground by overtraining. Catering to the needs of an athlete, with each of their specific considerations taken into account, will allow me to make their training program effective. Implementing proper training form and technique will reduce the risk of injury. Lastly, I must help the athlete realize the positive affect weight training will have on their performance. This does not mean telling athletes they must train because I said so, but to help them understand why they train and how it will benefit them in competition. Athletes will become intrinsically motivated to train hard if they understand what they can gain.
I will not only teach athletes the proper and effective methods of training, but teach them in a way that will help them to succeed in their future endeavors. In my eyes, training is the way we improve ourselves in all aspects of life. Creating goals and taking steps towards achieving those goals is exactly what training is. Training for sports is no different. The overall goal is to become the best competitor you can be. Weight training and conditioning becomes a major priority for any athlete who wants to take their ability to the next level. Training to become the best at something in life is the key to realizing your true potential. Lessons learned in the weight room don’t have to be solely lessons on training for sports, but also how to train for life. Life is a game of trial and error. Athletes don’t have time to waste and I am there to help them make the trials effective and eliminate the error as much as possible. Success is the product of hard work and dedication and it doesn’t exist without them. I will show an athlete what these words are all about and what they create. My hope is that these lessons will help them train to succeed in sports and in life.
Ben Desmarais
Northeastern University Strength and Conditioning