-“Coach” isn’t just a title, it’s an action. So get in there and coach!-⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Often times, coaches can get lost inside managing all of the people in front of them, the logistics of the class, and fitting in all the pieces of their plan (a plan- yep. Gotta have one of those, too!) that they forget to actually coach!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
During any sort of training, you will always have a task for the day. Let’s say that today’s task is 5×5 Deadlift. Simple, right? Pick up the bar 5 times, add weight, repeat. Fitness.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
So you start the class off, you tell people what’s about to happen, you get them moving for a few minutes, you put the bar in their hands, and you say, “Do 5×5 Deadlift. You have 30 minutes!”⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Yo – you forgot the “coach” part!
⁠⠀
The specific warmup – that part between the “general blood flow” and “crank the tunes” sections of a training session, is where you get to show your stuff as a coach. The goal: get people moving AS BEST AS THEY POSSIBLY CAN before starting the workout. This is hard, and takes time. It’s partially practice for you, as the coach, as well as the athlete. It looks like the picture, above. When you start out with this standard, you might not get everything. You might not be able to make someone’s movement truly “best” that it can be that day before starting, and that’s where you develop as a coach. With your clients, that’s fitness. With you, that’s coaching.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
We’re hosting regular workshops at for local CrossFit coaches to learn how to do just this. You’ll get coached, and you’ll learn how to be a more effective coach. The next one is Sat. Feb. 22nd – If you’re a coach and you can make it, we’d love to have you. If you can’t make it but you want to make it down the road, we want to hear from you. Click the link here to register!

Nick Gifford (CF-L3)
Nick Gifford (CF-L3)Author
Nick Gifford, Head Coach and Owner of Gifford Fitness, CrossFit Red Lion and Gifford Barbell has coached over 3000 athletes since 2012. He has worked with athletes from all walks and stages of life, focusing on health and wellness, balance, and pursuing excellence.