If you train and you want to get anywhere, if you want to get the most bang for your buck, the best return for your efforts, then you really should have a plan in place, a plan that is individual to you, one that reflects your goals, where you are now and where you want to be and any road blocks that need to be overcome.
In the world of strength & conditioning a good coach will use a needs analysis, this will encompass a detailed analysis of the sport and the individual physical requirements of each athletes role, a thorough analysis of an athletes movement competency, a sports specific performance analysis, looking for an athletes strengths and weaknesses and finally the goals of an individual athlete.
This detailed needs analysis, provides the coach with a great starting point, giving vital information on exactly where an athlete needs to be, where they are now and any weaknesses that need to be addressed.
A plan is then created to systematically fix any holes in an athletes performance, giving them the best chance to operate at their absolute best.
Even if you aren’t an athlete and don’t compete in anything, if you are training, you are doing so for a reason, you are trying to achieve something, even if you think it’s just to get a bit ‘fitter and healthier’.
Give yourself the best chance at success, really think about what it is you want to achieve, what goals you hope to reach with your training.
Then when you figure out where you want to go, where you want to get to, work out where you are now and what you have to do to bridge the gap, what obstacles need to be overcome. What needs to be done.
If you can’t figure that out, find yourself a good coach, let them help you build a plan and get you on the right track, overcoming obstacles and ticking off goals.
If you work hard, make sure you work smart. Make sure you have a plan!
