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Understanding everyone is different
Taking what we’ve learned to help others succeed
This summer, as our youth programs continue to grow, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and get to know several new young athletes, coach some of our mainline classes, and continue to facilitate our portion of the Heroes of Hope program. Working with such varied ages and skill levels has reminded me just how different people can be and the importance of recognizing and working with these differences.
We all know that on some level, everyone is different. These differences can make our daily interactions sometimes so fascinating and rewarding, while other times downright frustrating. In many ways, who we are is a culmination of all these experiences- our triumphs and struggles, our loves and losses.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed working with athletes of all ages as individuals and in groups. I have learned to identify and appreciate their strengths and areas of challenge. Through these interactions, I have found that it is critical to maintain an open mind and try to observe and listen to others objectively. This is crucial to understand their life experiences better and to develop empathy for what makes them tick. As coaches, we must strive to achieve empathy to help the people we work with to reach their potential.
While people have diverse experiences and varied intrinsic motivations, what we have in common are the positive feelings that come from progressing and achieving. When it comes to fitness, a common thread in all sports is the opportunity for improvement. Making progress increases confidence. Therefore, we strive to create programs for people, whether young or older, to continue making and measuring physical progress. This is bolstered by a positive and supportive environment, ensuring participants will be excited by their progress and reinforcing a desire to keep improving.
My experience has taught me that we must:
Embrace our differences with empathy
Once we have empathy for what makes someone tick, making a plan moving forward will help lead them to improvements and continues motivation.
Ask questions and actively listen
To get the best out of people, they need to be understood and supported. This understanding and trust comes from each genuine interaction.
Taking what we’ve learned to help others succeed
In working with a variety of people, using what you have learned in your other relationships helps aid others in reaching their goals.
Building confidence
Whether small or large, people thrive on making measurable progress. Therefore, it is essential to create opportunities for improvement and then celebrate achievements, which helps build confidence.
Building community
People, in general, are very social creatures, which is no surprise as our historic survival has depended on our ability to work together. Creating a community of individuals working hard to improve themselves goes a long way in keeping people on track towards reaching their goals.
When we take the time to get to know each other, amazing things can happen. With a good understanding of what makes each person unique, we can help them reach their goals. Taking the time to ask questions, listen, and use what we have learned to plan for continued progress goes a long way to ensure that motivation is maintained and increased confidence and success is achieved.
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
This summer, as our youth programs continue to grow, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and get to know several new young athletes, coach some of our mainline classes, and continue to facilitate our portion of the Heroes of Hope program. Working with such varied ages and skill levels has reminded me just how different people can be and the importance of recognizing and working with these differences.
We all know that on some level, everyone is different. These differences can make our daily interactions sometimes so fascinating and rewarding, while other times downright frustrating. In many ways, who we are is a culmination of all these experiences- our triumphs and struggles, our loves and losses.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed working with athletes of all ages as individuals and in groups. I have learned to identify and appreciate their strengths and areas of challenge. Through these interactions, I have found that it is critical to maintain an open mind and try to observe and listen to others objectively. This is crucial to understand their life experiences better and to develop empathy for what makes them tick. As coaches, we must strive to achieve empathy to help the people we work with to reach their potential.
While people have diverse experiences and varied intrinsic motivations, what we have in common are the positive feelings that come from progressing and achieving. When it comes to fitness, a common thread in all sports is the opportunity for improvement. Making progress increases confidence. Therefore, we strive to create programs for people, whether young or older, to continue making and measuring physical progress. This is bolstered by a positive and supportive environment, ensuring participants will be excited by their progress and reinforcing a desire to keep improving.
My experience has taught me that we must:
Embrace our differences with empathy
Once we have empathy for what makes someone tick, making a plan moving forward will help lead them to improvements and continues motivation.
Ask questions and actively listen
To get the best out of people, they need to be understood and supported. This understanding and trust comes from each genuine interaction.
Taking what we’ve learned to help others succeed
In working with a variety of people, using what you have learned in your other relationships helps aid others in reaching their goals.
Building confidence
Whether small or large, people thrive on making measurable progress. Therefore, it is essential to create opportunities for improvement and then celebrate achievements, which helps build confidence.
Building community
People, in general, are very social creatures, which is no surprise as our historic survival has depended on our ability to work together. Creating a community of individuals working hard to improve themselves goes a long way in keeping people on track towards reaching their goals.
When we take the time to get to know each other, amazing things can happen. With a good understanding of what makes each person unique, we can help them reach their goals. Taking the time to ask questions, listen, and use what we have learned to plan for continued progress goes a long way to ensure that motivation is maintained and increased confidence and success is achieved.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
This summer, as our youth programs continue to grow, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and get to know several new young athletes, coach some of our mainline classes, and continue to facilitate our portion of the Heroes of Hope program. Working with such varied ages and skill levels has reminded me just how different people can be and the importance of recognizing and working with these differences.
We all know that on some level, everyone is different. These differences can make our daily interactions sometimes so fascinating and rewarding, while other times downright frustrating. In many ways, who we are is a culmination of all these experiences- our triumphs and struggles, our loves and losses.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed working with athletes of all ages as individuals and in groups. I have learned to identify and appreciate their strengths and areas of challenge. Through these interactions, I have found that it is critical to maintain an open mind and try to observe and listen to others objectively. This is crucial to understand their life experiences better and to develop empathy for what makes them tick. As coaches, we must strive to achieve empathy to help the people we work with to reach their potential.
While people have diverse experiences and varied intrinsic motivations, what we have in common are the positive feelings that come from progressing and achieving. When it comes to fitness, a common thread in all sports is the opportunity for improvement. Making progress increases confidence. Therefore, we strive to create programs for people, whether young or older, to continue making and measuring physical progress. This is bolstered by a positive and supportive environment, ensuring participants will be excited by their progress and reinforcing a desire to keep improving.
My experience has taught me that we must:
Embrace our differences with empathy
Once we have empathy for what makes someone tick, making a plan moving forward will help lead them to improvements and continues motivation.
Ask questions and actively listen
To get the best out of people, they need to be understood and supported. This understanding and trust comes from each genuine interaction.
Taking what we’ve learned to help others succeed
In working with a variety of people, using what you have learned in your other relationships helps aid others in reaching their goals.
Building confidence
Whether small or large, people thrive on making measurable progress. Therefore, it is essential to create opportunities for improvement and then celebrate achievements, which helps build confidence.
Building community
People, in general, are very social creatures, which is no surprise as our historic survival has depended on our ability to work together. Creating a community of individuals working hard to improve themselves goes a long way in keeping people on track towards reaching their goals.
When we take the time to get to know each other, amazing things can happen. With a good understanding of what makes each person unique, we can help them reach their goals. Taking the time to ask questions, listen, and use what we have learned to plan for continued progress goes a long way to ensure that motivation is maintained and increased confidence and success is achieved.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
This summer, as our youth programs continue to grow, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and get to know several new young athletes, coach some of our mainline classes, and continue to facilitate our portion of the Heroes of Hope program. Working with such varied ages and skill levels has reminded me just how different people can be and the importance of recognizing and working with these differences.
We all know that on some level, everyone is different. These differences can make our daily interactions sometimes so fascinating and rewarding, while other times downright frustrating. In many ways, who we are is a culmination of all these experiences- our triumphs and struggles, our loves and losses.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed working with athletes of all ages as individuals and in groups. I have learned to identify and appreciate their strengths and areas of challenge. Through these interactions, I have found that it is critical to maintain an open mind and try to observe and listen to others objectively. This is crucial to understand their life experiences better and to develop empathy for what makes them tick. As coaches, we must strive to achieve empathy to help the people we work with to reach their potential.
While people have diverse experiences and varied intrinsic motivations, what we have in common are the positive feelings that come from progressing and achieving. When it comes to fitness, a common thread in all sports is the opportunity for improvement. Making progress increases confidence. Therefore, we strive to create programs for people, whether young or older, to continue making and measuring physical progress. This is bolstered by a positive and supportive environment, ensuring participants will be excited by their progress and reinforcing a desire to keep improving.
My experience has taught me that we must:
Embrace our differences with empathy
Once we have empathy for what makes someone tick, making a plan moving forward will help lead them to improvements and continues motivation.
Ask questions and actively listen
To get the best out of people, they need to be understood and supported. This understanding and trust comes from each genuine interaction.
Taking what we’ve learned to help others succeed
In working with a variety of people, using what you have learned in your other relationships helps aid others in reaching their goals.
Building confidence
Whether small or large, people thrive on making measurable progress. Therefore, it is essential to create opportunities for improvement and then celebrate achievements, which helps build confidence.
Building community
People, in general, are very social creatures, which is no surprise as our historic survival has depended on our ability to work together. Creating a community of individuals working hard to improve themselves goes a long way in keeping people on track towards reaching their goals.
When we take the time to get to know each other, amazing things can happen. With a good understanding of what makes each person unique, we can help them reach their goals. Taking the time to ask questions, listen, and use what we have learned to plan for continued progress goes a long way to ensure that motivation is maintained and increased confidence and success is achieved.
This summer, as our youth programs continue to grow, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with and get to know several new young athletes, coach some of our mainline classes, and continue to facilitate our portion of the Heroes of Hope program. Working with such varied ages and skill levels has reminded me just how different people can be and the importance of recognizing and working with these differences.
We all know that on some level, everyone is different. These differences can make our daily interactions sometimes so fascinating and rewarding, while other times downright frustrating. In many ways, who we are is a culmination of all these experiences- our triumphs and struggles, our loves and losses.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed working with athletes of all ages as individuals and in groups. I have learned to identify and appreciate their strengths and areas of challenge. Through these interactions, I have found that it is critical to maintain an open mind and try to observe and listen to others objectively. This is crucial to understand their life experiences better and to develop empathy for what makes them tick. As coaches, we must strive to achieve empathy to help the people we work with to reach their potential.
While people have diverse experiences and varied intrinsic motivations, what we have in common are the positive feelings that come from progressing and achieving. When it comes to fitness, a common thread in all sports is the opportunity for improvement. Making progress increases confidence. Therefore, we strive to create programs for people, whether young or older, to continue making and measuring physical progress. This is bolstered by a positive and supportive environment, ensuring participants will be excited by their progress and reinforcing a desire to keep improving.
My experience has taught me that we must:
Embrace our differences with empathy
Once we have empathy for what makes someone tick, making a plan moving forward will help lead them to improvements and continues motivation.
Ask questions and actively listen
To get the best out of people, they need to be understood and supported. This understanding and trust comes from each genuine interaction.
Taking what we’ve learned to help others succeed
In working with a variety of people, using what you have learned in your other relationships helps aid others in reaching their goals.
Building confidence
Whether small or large, people thrive on making measurable progress. Therefore, it is essential to create opportunities for improvement and then celebrate achievements, which helps build confidence.
Building community
People, in general, are very social creatures, which is no surprise as our historic survival has depended on our ability to work together. Creating a community of individuals working hard to improve themselves goes a long way in keeping people on track towards reaching their goals.
When we take the time to get to know each other, amazing things can happen. With a good understanding of what makes each person unique, we can help them reach their goals. Taking the time to ask questions, listen, and use what we have learned to plan for continued progress goes a long way to ensure that motivation is maintained and increased confidence and success is achieved.
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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