The great thing about CrossFit is that everyone is encouraged and challenged to improve themselves in a safe environment: achieving more than they thought possible and recognizing their full potential. Having a coach is important because they can allow you to feel challenged, supported, and competent in your ability, and they can assist you in reaching your fitness goals. As the saying goes, “Great coaches produce great outcomes”.
So what makes a great CrossFit coach?
1.They break down goals into achievable pieces.Athletes of varying skill levels are frequently present in the same classes at the same time, so coaches must be able to adapt their coaching to the specific individuals in class. Breaking down your goals into actionable steps is the key to actually achieving them. These steps don’t have to be extremely complicated; in some cases, simplicity is the best approach. A successful goal-setting strategy must include long-term, medium-term, and short-term goals. Breaking down your goals will ensure that you are taking consistent steps toward achieving success.2. They communicate effectively. A person may be extremely gifted athlete, but that won't necessarily make them a good coach if they are unable to communicate. Great communication begins with connection. Being able to communicate effectively with your coach, and knowing your coach can reciprocate, will increase the liklihood of success and create a more enjoyable experience overall. Relationship skills will enable the coach to manage people and deal with potential problems in a dynamic environment. Coaches who interact and communicate effectively with their athletes can provide positive feedback and constructive criticism in ways that have a significant impact on their athletes’ performance.3. They emphasize the basics and appropriate progression.To put learning into action, the coach must be able to apply knowledge in the appropriate manner and at the appropriate time. An emphasis on the foundational principles also indicates that when training athletes, a coach adheres to proper progressions. This includes maintaining proper form at all times, insisting on proper scaling, and focusing on the fundamentals in order to protect everyone's health and keep them injury-free. Some athletes want to step right into the most complex moves, such as snatches without learning the basic movement patterns first first. So one of the core tasks of a coach is to improve the skill level of their athletes based on their capabilities, which will allow them to ramp up gradually.4. They coach the person, not the athlete.The most effective coaches take the time to know the athlete as a person. Getting to know what makes people "tick" improves the coach's ability to communicate, the athlete's buy-in, and elevates the overall experience everyone is having.5. They never stop learning. The acquisition of knowledge is the starting point for the coach's journey. It is the responsibility of the coach to fulfill their athletes' expectations and to study, experiment, and offer as many solutions as possible in order to see progress in their path. Coaches should be learning from their athletes, from their peers, and from other coaching resources regardless of how many certifications or how many years of experience they have. The pursuit of knowledge is never-ending.“Coaches are not people who failed at being athletes themselves. They are the ones who have the guts to create many more athletes than just themselves.”Athletes and coaches who have genuine relationships generate more trust, better communication, and a winning attitude. So finding a great coach will result in an effective and successful Coach-Team Relationship.If you would like to achieve your fitness goals and have amazing coaches, contact us today to set up a time to talk with one of our awesome coaches!