Trainers and strength coaches come up with training programs for their athletes throughout their preseason, season, and post-seasons. It will look very different depending on their sport and the individual athlete’s strengths and weaknesses. Consistency with these programs is extremely important if the athlete (and their teams/coaches) wants to see improvement in their game and lower their risk of injury. Frequency and volume are also very important, but today we are briefly going to focus on importance of changing up the exercises the athlete is doing.
Trainers and strength coaches’ job descriptions include not letting the athlete plateau, or also known as seeing no improvement in their gains. Therefore, it is important as a trainer or coach to be aware of this fact and be in the know about new exercises that come about. This means often researching or following those in their field and getting to know the studies that are coming out. There are plenty of resources out now.
The longer someone is a trainer/strength coach, the more exercises they have in their repertoire as well and it comes with experience. This can be useful in the athlete’s training program and will keep them from plateauing. Trainers can utilize different exercises that help the athlete focus on a certain skill or muscle group, but still accomplish that same goal. Thankfully, there is no lack of exercises that can help to accomplish their purposes.
In summary, as a trainer you need to stay aware of the new developments in exercises and training so that your athletes don’t plateau. You can even learn from your coworkers and those in the field of kinesiology around you.
Taylor Rowden is a Strength Coach at Compete Sports Performance and Rehab in Lake Forest, California.Taylor graduated from the Master’s University with a degree in Kiniesiology with an emphasis on sports injury and exercise science.