I think the New Year is a good time to remind myself, and inform my readers, of why I do what I do. I did the same for my Physical Therapy blog.
I am a strength coach. I have a B.S. in Exercise Science with a focus on training athletes for performance. I have earned the highest level of certification that exists in this field: a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). I specialize in training Historical Fencing/HEMA athletes and other combat sports and martial disciplines. I also work with general fitness clients. I am self-employed and if you are interested in hiring me then check here.
Exercise is Important
Physical activity and exercise are important for human health. Helping others be more physically active reduces their likelihood of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, amongst others.
Helping folks be more active is also one of my motivations for Athena School of Arms. Especially for the nerdier folks we tend to attract, conventional sports and exercise were never appealing, so I’m happy for the opportunity to give others an exercise avenue that suits them.
Exercise is Fun
Or rather, I think, it ought to be. So I want to help folks find exercise that works for them, appeals to them and motivates them. This is part of why I do my AMAs on Facebook and generally engage folks in conversation on this topic.
Strength Training in Particular
Strength training in particular I find to be more fun than other exercises. It’s not boring and repetitive the way that long-duration cardio is. It’s changes of activity every few minutes and a number of different things across a days’ workout.
The technical lifts are especially interesting. Explosive actions like the clean, jerk and snatch, and variations, as well as the plyometric exercises. The other big lifts like squat, deadlift and bench press also have their technical components that are interesting.
And it has clear, easily observable improvement that comes fairly steadily if you put in the work.
Training for Performance is an Interesting Puzzle
I do enjoy training athletes for performance and sport-specific training. It’s more of a puzzle to solve. More pieces to understand. More variables to coordinate. It’s overall more mentally engaging for me. And I really appreciate that.
People Improve
Lastly, I like watching my clients get stronger, more fit and more confident about the gym. I want people to feel able to do this and to continue on their own with a lifetime habit of training.
If you’d like to help support me then you can contribute thru Ko-FI. Thanks.
