What we miss out on when we start with "No."

This summer, in addition to keeping sports officials game ready, I have been working with a group of young people. I have learned that "No" seems to be a favorite word in their vocabulary. 

Have you done this sport before? "No."

Well let's try it! "No."

[Pause] Do you want to do some push-ups instead? "Ummm...No!" Okay, then let's do this!

After the initial bout of stubbornness, the kids always end up doing what they have been asked to do, and 100% of them end up having fun. If you have worked with kids as a parent/guardian, teacher, coach or in any other capacity and have asked them to try something new, then you are familiar with the resistance of 2+ year olds. They are just kids being kids. But, you might be surprised to learn that sometimes I get similar responses from the adults that I train. 

I recall asking an adult client, who had very little running experience, to run sprints. For the first time. Ever. She didn't say "no" but she did put up some resistance. We had an interesting--and extended---conversation about what she had and had not done before, and what she believed she could and could not do. She finally agreed and after a few sessions, she was impressed by her ability to run sprints.

Exploring YOUR Options for Sports and Fitness

As a coach, I work with individuals of all sizes, shapes, ages and physical conditions. Given that, I have to customize my approach for the individuals that I train. If I work with groups, I also have to take into account the unique abilities, similarities and differences of the group members. 

Some people can do more, or work out at higher levels of intensity than others. Regardless of the physical capabilities, there is an activity for all of us. Sometimes we might have to take extra steps to find it, either working with a trainer or coach, or by researching and working alone. 

Being aware of one's own capabilities and limitations is an important theme of my book, Play Long. Stay Strong. I have been busy writing the book since the end of January (which explains the absence of blog posts). Play Long. Stay Strong. is a compilation of stories and recommendations about starting---and continuing---a lifelong sports and fitness journey.  Click here to read a sample chapter!

I have always emphasized lifelong training with clients, in wellness programs and with sports officials at spring and summer clinics. I am excited to be able to share this information to reach a wider audience and to encourage participation in sports and fitness. It is especially important as we continue to try to protect our health against threats from Covid-19.

We are still in the midst of the pandemic but things are getting better. Thankfully, indoor fitness and recreation centers have reopened and restrictions have been lifted on sporting events. I hope all of you have been able to get back into your pre-pandemic training, or even to start a new training program. Whatever of level training you are able to do right now, stay focused, stay protected and stay game ready. FSE Game Ready.