My training center has recently started a golf fitness training program and I’ve been looking to purchase some equipment for the TPI professional who will be overseeing our program. In doing so, I’ve stumbled across some videos that I couldn’t help but laugh at. These things were like a bus full of burning nuns….you don’t want to look but you just can’t tear your eyes away from the horrific tragedy before you. It reminded me that regardless of how divergent we (speaking of the track and field coaching community as a whole) may think our training philosophies are; in general, we tend to see the bigger picture of athletic development better than any other sport training group or strength and conditioning professionals. Don’t get me wrong, there are always bad apples in every bunch (just as their are lots of very good non-track related trainers) but overall I’m happy to say that your average track and field coach wouldn’t fall for the nonsense that I’ve seen in some of these videos. The worst part is that some of the equipment and their usage has become not only expected but the standard in some sport development programs. So next time we get in to another heated debate about whether Olympic lifting is important, how much loading is needed to optimally develop strength, or whether training should focus on strength or power; let’s remember that we’re squabbling about the final 10% of athletic development after already getting the first 90% correct. While this debate is certainly important both for our athletes and our own professional growth, it’s important to sometimes put things in perspective….and get a good chuckle while doing so. Enjoy the video (be sure to watch from the 7:30 mark on if you’re pressed for time)…
Disclaimer: I actually believe there can be an appropriate time and place for practically any training modality but I know that many are using these (and other gimmicky) types of activities as cornerstones of their training programs rather than in the limited capacity where they might actually provide some value without detracting from real training.
Discuss entry