What is the difference between fitness and performance coaches?
A TIP FROM PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR JAY HEBERT:
There is a big difference between fitness and performance. Likewise there is a difference in the “experts” who work in each field. Individuals who want to improve their fitness often look to Personal Trainers whereas athletes who want to improve their performance should instead work with Performance Coaches. Personal trainers are everywhere and their level of education and experience varies. The best have a background in anatomy and physiology but some hold very narrow certifications with little background or education. Their purpose it to help people lose weight and to be more aesthetically pleasing. They are trained to change the way you look.
A performance coach, especially a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, must have a much more extensive background. These individuals are trained to improve how you perform. They have an extensive background in anatomy and physiology as well as an understanding of physics, movement, and optimal human performance. They study human movement and work to help athletes move efficiently and effectively. Their objectives are to keep athletes safe and to maximize how they perform the requirements of their sport. When looking for someone to train an athlete, a performance coach is the only option.
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Jay Hebert | Sports Performance Director |
I see understand the differentiation you are trying to make. But, I would be careful as to how you stereotype the “personal trainer”. By education personal trainers are meant to be everything you explained in this posting for both “personal trainers” and “performance coaches”. I submit that individual trainers/ coaches choose what they focus on and go with that.
I understand that this is more or less a point you are trying to make to distinguish one from the other. But I am a personal trainer and I choose to evaluate what a client is looking to do, evaluate them, and build a program that will allow them to gain what they desire.
Anyway, I’m positive you are an expert in your field. Feel free to email me or visit my site.
BC
CEO archetypebody
think good. eat right. work hard.
BC-
Great response! Thank you for pushing out a positive and passionate response. Like every profession, there are good and bads to each personal trainers and performance coaches. Jay tried to engage the reader in “researching” the coaches background before making any decisions on going forward with the training.
It is great to see a protocol with your evaluation process. Keep creating Greatness BC!
PerformancEDU
Great post!! This is a question that so many people have! Thank you for always sharing your knowledge and expertise