To begin something, anything, requires that you have some basic understanding of what it is that you're about to do. Whether it involves the mental, the physical, or both. Whether it's embarking on a new job, activity, sport OR just watching TV and eating "Shitily"(pronounced; SHIT-IL-EE ;Meaning; Poorly.....and no I didn't make this word up....I just heard it before, not sure where, but I like it, as words go, and therefore added some depth to it). That said, if you're planning to do anything in this life, albeit somewhat properly, it will require some form of thought before you begin. That first thought essentially becomes your initial foundation. In other words you establish a position, right or wrong, and build from there. The foundation is the basis by which your knowledge is rooted and thus, the learning process of whatever you are trying to do begins.
I am writing this on a Sunday. This is typically a day of rest for many people around the world. My definition of "rest" is spending time with my family. When they get sick of me, I feel it necessary to try to help those that want to be better. Today I have two athletes at New Species CrossFit that have approached me about getting better at certain movements. Plainly put, they are proficient at some movements but feel uncomfortable with other movements during group training. These objectives are not uncommon for athletes that get beyond what I like to call the "honeymoon stage". It usually occurs somewhere in the range of 1 to 2 years after starting CrossFit training. It occurs at other times with other disciplines. Nonetheless, it occurs. When that stage is over, it is usually followed by frustration and choices must be made. Stay the course or fade away. And here in lies the uncommon. The fighter type, which is what I've tagged the two athletes I'm referring to, would like to zero in on how they can get better. This is uncommon because I see so many in various walks of life, whether in CrossFit, the business arena, or simply observing today's youth who seem to settle for mediocrity. Going above and beyond is something that I feel more and more individuals lack in this day in age. So, when I see someone go that extra mile.....well, because of it's infrequency.....it's uncommon. Now I don't mind mediocrity as long as the process of learning is always in play. In other words, I believe one can be mediocre in performance but knowledgeable within the same discipline at the same time. The real key of what I'm attempting to state is the driving need to learn more, apply it to your cause and arrive at a better position than that which previously existed, physically or mentally....either way....it's progress. For example (beating a dead horse here) and at the risk of being a flaming narcissist, I am a mediocre athlete. I excel at certain movement disciplines and then there are others that I flat out eat shit at, which is not very good. As a coach, I'm good and always getting better....I'm still learning and will consider myself to always be in learning mode. I once heard a coach of mine say "never stop learning, for the day you think you know it all.....you'll be dead". I love that statement, and the coach who said it has had a profound effect on my life. Truth is, I never have forgotten statements like that. They are fundamental. FUNDAMENTAL.....GOT IT? Don't forget the fundamentals...they have helped you arrive to where you are today in every aspect of your life. These same fundamentals, if and when forgotten, are also the primary reason that you fall short of yor goals or flat out fail at something. I have always prided myself on being a resource to those who want help in the fitness/nutrition arena. It has always been my strength to practice and preach the fundamentals both to myself and all those around me. Which, now full circle, brings me to what we are talking about; the two athletes that I get to help today.
My method to help an athlete is as follows; learn the strengths and weaknesses of the athlete simply by talking through the issues. In their own words, what are the strengths, weaknesses and overall objectives for their fitness. What is their life like; Family, Job, Sleep, Stress and most of all Nutrition! Once I have established that I then take them back to the grass roots, the beginning of proper foundations in athletic movement. It is at this point that I make assessments of how the athlete moves. How they squat, push, pull, flex, extend, breath, balance, transition from point A to B, etc...
CrossFit, in my opinion, has always done a great job of simplifying athletic movement. They have done so by locking in on the nine (9) foundational movements. If you have 9 minutes, I urge you to take a look at the following video link. Whether you're a Veteran or a Newbie, I assure you the fundamentals found here are exactly the rules that you must never forget. For they should, in my opinion, be applied everywhere in this life, should one want to remain functional long-term..(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_lNO64zlSU) Apply these 9 movements within your assessment routine as a coach or an athlete. We all need a fundamental checklist. This will serve you as an excellent tool. It is this very tool that any athlete that I work with will be under the scope of. The best part is that there is always a positive result for the athlete. I won't lie, I enjoy the shit out of positive results. Who doesn't? If you don't, well then you're a fucking communist. Just kidding......not really.
That's all I have on this for now. Time for some Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil and Coconut Oil before bed. I call it the triple threat and it's been paramount to my training and recovery. Take in a good balance of Omega 3 in order to offset the over abundance of Omega 6 in foods today. Omega 6 = Inflammatory & Omega 3 = Anti-Inflammatory. The more Omega 3 the better....within reason. I will be talking nutrition next time.....It'll be a good rant.....PROMISE.
In the meantime, take this quote forward. Commit it to memory and let it serve you in your travels.
My method to help an athlete is as follows; learn the strengths and weaknesses of the athlete simply by talking through the issues. In their own words, what are the strengths, weaknesses and overall objectives for their fitness. What is their life like; Family, Job, Sleep, Stress and most of all Nutrition! Once I have established that I then take them back to the grass roots, the beginning of proper foundations in athletic movement. It is at this point that I make assessments of how the athlete moves. How they squat, push, pull, flex, extend, breath, balance, transition from point A to B, etc...
CrossFit, in my opinion, has always done a great job of simplifying athletic movement. They have done so by locking in on the nine (9) foundational movements. If you have 9 minutes, I urge you to take a look at the following video link. Whether you're a Veteran or a Newbie, I assure you the fundamentals found here are exactly the rules that you must never forget. For they should, in my opinion, be applied everywhere in this life, should one want to remain functional long-term..(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_lNO64zlSU) Apply these 9 movements within your assessment routine as a coach or an athlete. We all need a fundamental checklist. This will serve you as an excellent tool. It is this very tool that any athlete that I work with will be under the scope of. The best part is that there is always a positive result for the athlete. I won't lie, I enjoy the shit out of positive results. Who doesn't? If you don't, well then you're a fucking communist. Just kidding......not really.
That's all I have on this for now. Time for some Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil and Coconut Oil before bed. I call it the triple threat and it's been paramount to my training and recovery. Take in a good balance of Omega 3 in order to offset the over abundance of Omega 6 in foods today. Omega 6 = Inflammatory & Omega 3 = Anti-Inflammatory. The more Omega 3 the better....within reason. I will be talking nutrition next time.....It'll be a good rant.....PROMISE.
In the meantime, take this quote forward. Commit it to memory and let it serve you in your travels.
"Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource."
- John F. Kennedy
Stay strong!
Peace - Johnny
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