Strength and conditioning is an area of sports science that aims to improve movement and strength so that athletes can perform better, more efficiently and in a safe manner to avoid injury. So, with that in mind, what exactly does a strength and conditioning coach do?
A strength and conditioning coach provides tailored training and support, usually with specific sports or goals in mind. Coaches also provide motivation and a layer of accountability that helps athletes to push themselves to their limit, safely, so that they reach their goals faster.
Read on to learn more about strength and conditioning training, and whether or not you would benefit from hiring a coach.
What is a Strength and Conditioning Coach?
Strength and conditioning coaches are experts in movement. They have a wide variety of knowledge and skills to help train performance-based athletes. Typically, this centres around developing a particular skill or improving performance in a certain area. However, it can sometimes include general strength training.
Coaches have a deep understanding of what it takes to excel in sports performance. They tailor training plans to the exact physical and mental needs of their clients’ respective sports, including any necessary adaptations, in order to maximise the coaching environment.
Training programs typically contain a combination of the following areas, tailored to a clients’ specific needs:
- Strength
- Speed
- Power
- Agility
- Skills-related drills
- Flexibility
- Mobility
- Balance
Alongside this, strength and conditioning coaches also have a good understanding of the body as a whole, how it responds to stress, and injury management. As much as coaches push their clients to achieve their goals, they must know when to break and let the body recover.
What are the Benefits of a Strength and Conditioning Coach?
There are a few key benefits of using a strength and conditioning coach; these include:
- Goal setting – coaches help clients to set realistic and attainable goals based on experience, ability and where they want to be in the future.
- Accountability – it can be tough to show up to training every day. A coach adds a layer of accountability and motivation to not just show up, but perform.
- Tailored workouts – there are endless possibilities to training but a coach knows which workouts, exercises and drills to do (and when) to help clients reach their goals.
- Reduced injury risk – strength and conditioning coaches have expert knowledge of the body and how to reduce the risk of injury, even when motivating clients to push themselves to their limit.
- Faster results – doing it alone means that people may train the wrong areas, do the wrong exercises and drills, not be motivated, not push themselves, or just give up. A coach helps to keep people on track and get there quicker.
With all of the above points the one major goal we have with clients: is to be able to make consistent progress in training.
Do I Need a Strength and Conditioning Coach?
Typically, it depends on individual goals, ambition, experience and ability. In most cases, coaches are typically used by athletes, but they are also sometimes used by non-athletes who have a particular goal in mind. We recommend that anyone that does any level of sport or training, and has ambition to grow, hires a strength coach. Doing so helps to improve training sessions and maximise outcomes.
For Athletes
As previously mentioned, strength and conditioning coaches are most commonly used by athletes and those who are serious about improving their sporting performance. Clients don’t need to be elite athletes to hire a coach, but doing so could be the difference between remaining an amateur and turning pro.
For Non-Athletes
For gym-enthusiasts and those with a goal, hiring a strength and conditioning coach could be a great way to review their current training programme. A coach would make bespoke recommendations, provide motivation and accountability, and help them to reach their goals sooner.
Beginners
The main objective of a strength and conditioning coach for beginners is to first address fat loss (if needed), whilst also starting to build muscle. During this time, a coach will also hammer home the importance of nutrition and lifestyle; two crucial elements for success.
In the lower body a coach might first focus on the flexion and extension in the hips, knees and ankles to ensure stability and strength moving forwards. Likewise, in the upper body, a strength coach will likely first work on the range of motion in the shoulder, extension and flexion, horizontal and vertical.
Learn more about strength and conditioning training for beginners on our sister site, Human Performance Hub, where we go into more detail about training programs, how to read a program and how to organise them.
Strength and Conditioning Coaching at Human Strength Hub
Human Strength Hub offers a range of sport-specific training, including a Sports Performance Coaching program. We offer high performance sports coaching for individuals looking to improve their performance in sport, such as athletes and high performing sportspeople. Our performance coaching is designed to increase the level of performance in athletes who compete in professional sports. Alternatively, we also offer an Online Coaching Program and a Consultation Program.
Contact us today to learn more and see which program is right for you.
