Paint Brush versus the Artist

I could possibly write a post here everyday with the interesting topics that come up working with clients. A great one that creeps its ugly head every once in awhile is the comment, "they say they do the same thing as you." Often this is a comment a client will make when their friends state their coach does the same work we do here at Innovative Fitness Solutions.

I will inquire why they think this, as most clients can't repeat what they performed for the day, and usually it will be a response such as "they do sandbags, kettlebells, bands, medicine balls", etc. This is a perfect opportunity for me to take an opportunity to educate my clients to a greater degree. Recently I came up with an analogy of a paint brush versus an artist.

I can give anyone a paint brush, this doesn't mean they will be able to paint a masterpiece. In fact, sometimes the results could be so ugly and poor you wish you never gave them the paint brush in the first place!

This can be said of training as well. Because a coach or a training team uses a few good training tools does not mean they are using them to their capability. I often tell teams and coaches that you can give me an empty room and I can create and effective training program. The implements are truly secondary to the principles of sound training programs.

I have attended conferences where great tools were used poorly. I have seen video clips of coaches using great tools very badly. Does this mean these implements are bad? Of course not, it means the refinement of the program and technique are important. What usually occurs is an injury because the person didn't understand all the subtle components of the proper technique. The coach doesn't get blamed, rather the implement does.

Have you seen this before? Yep, we all have, here are a list of some of my favorites:

1. Overhead lifting
2. Strongman training
3. Bench press
4. kettlebells

Many coaches have made negative comments about all of the above, often though it is a misunderstanding of these implements and methods that allows for negative perceptions. The cure? If you want to learn kettlebells, go to a specialist in kettlebell training, want to learn Olympic lifting, find an weightlifting coach, want to learn how to improve sprinting mechanics, find a sprinting coach.

We live in an era where our egos get in the way and we try to be everything to everyone. Using components and aspects of various training methods is great, however, you MUST truly understand all the subtle techniques of these sports and methods if you expect to get the results you desire.

Don't worry how many paintbrushes you own, rather how many ways can you become the artist!