I just found out that needed a certification to teach jump rope. What should I do? Same thing to use kettlebells, I am very confused. How have I been able to coach without these certifications? Is it really about letters after your name? There is nothing wrong with certification if it is meaningful, but with the plethora of certifications out there how do we know what is meaningful? [...]

Joe P wrote me the following: You use to use the phrase "all training is functional training". As a matter of fact, you once spoke of moving away from the "F" word. Elaborate on what changed your mind, and if you still stand by that quote. Joe I still stand by the quote, now more than ever. But as you know it must be considered in context. What activity or exercise are you usin [...]

I repeat again, we do not need more certifications, that is not the solution to define this field. To the person who posted regarding me starting a certification because there is good money in it. That is not my motivation. I will not even consider doing a certification. What does that do? At last count there are over 300 certifications in this field, will another certification help define the fie [...]

What...???Who are you going to give more credibility to?Joe Blow MS, CSCS, NASM-PES, ACE, IFFA, ACSM, USWForJoe I Don't Have All The Letters After My NameTHATS VERY EASY - NO LETTERS IF HE HAS BEEN COACHING WHILE THE OTHER GUY HAS SAT IN CLASS TAKING TESTS TO GATHER MORE LETTERS!!! [...]

Let me start by saying that I am all for education and knowledge. I feel even more strongly than I ever have that more certification does not mean more knowledge; in fact there are so many certifications now that it is confusing. Do we have more knowledge because of these certifications or do we have more information being passed around as knowledge. How many letters can you have after your name b [...]

Can these oldies still prove to be goodies? Read this Millrose Games press release and decide for yourself?NEW YORK CITY (Jan. 23) – Gail Devers, a two-time Olympic 100-meter champion, and  Maurice Greene, an Olympic gold medalist at 100 meters and a three-time World Champion, have been added to a star-studded field for the 100th Millrose Games, organizers announced today. Devers will c [...]

I am hearing more and more reports from colleagues in who are ATC’s and physical therapist about training caused injuries. Some of the stories are frankly borderline negligent. This is something that really concerns me, because it is a negative reflection on all of us in the field. Improper workout design, inappropriate exercise selection and failure to communicate with the coaches is inexcu [...]

I have received quite a few inquires regarding certification. I do not and will not offer a certification. There are already too many certifications . Another certification will only confuse and muddle an already confused field. I will offer a Mentorship program that will be an in depth educational experience. It will offer a bend of hands experience and in depth theory. Tentatively it is planned [...]

It really should not be an either or proposition but that seems to be the way that it is. There is such a premium now put on certification that I think we are losing sight of the educational component. There is no substitute for in depth practical learning experiences. The plethora of online courses and so called ”distance learning “ programs make me very nervous. I am increasing runni [...]