Steve Nance.
In my career I’ve had the opportunity to work with many prestigious institutions and sports teams. Through these experiences, I’ve gathered invaluable insights and lessons that have shaped my approach to training. From the demanding schedules of professional sports teams to the structured environment of educational institutions, each setting has offered unique challenges and learning opportunities. Here, I’ll share the major lessons I’ve learned throughout my career, with a focus on the importance of adaptability, trust, and continuous learning.
Appreciating the Experience
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of appreciating every experience. In hindsight, I realise I didn’t always value the opportunities I had while I was in the midst of them. For instance, during my time at Fulham, I often dreaded the travel and the challenges of managing players’ routines. However, looking back, I understand how unique and special those experiences were. Working in such a high-pressure, high-reward environment provided me with a wealth of knowledge that I carry with me today.
Fulham FC – Different Training Approaches
Working with English footballers at Fulham highlighted the stark differences in training approaches between countries. Unlike Australian league or union players, English footballers were wary of weight training due to the misconception that it would make them bulkier and slower. This required me to innovate and adapt my training programs. I shifted the focus from hypertrophy to prehab and power, emphasising strength without significant size increase. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and customisation in the professional context.
Brisbane Broncos – The Importance of Trust
At the Broncos, under the guidance of Wayne Bennett, I learned the paramount importance of trust. Trust between trainers, staff, and players is foundational for a successful training program. Bennett’s philosophy was that trust enables smoother communication and acceptance of training methods. Trust fosters a positive training environment where athletes feel confident and motivated to achieve their goals.
Wayne Bennett – Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Wayne Bennett also emphasised the value of continuous learning and adaptation. I began to appreciate the value of listening and learning. Wayne preached a lot about learning something new and different every day, and then integrating those lessons into your practice. This mindset is critical for anyone pursuing a career path in sport / fitness. The fitness industry is constantly evolving, with new research and techniques emerging regularly. Staying updated and being willing to adapt your methods is key to staying relevant and effective as a fitness professional. Wayne was fanatical about some change each year, but this favourite saying was also ‘Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water’.
Learning was very important. Pick up as much as you can. I remember on an educational trip to the US, Wayne told me ‘Nancy, God gave you two eyes, two ears and nose and only one mouth. Use them in that ratio’.
Coming from a schoolteacher background, I was used to having meetings, often way too many. One day, I asked Wayne why we didn’t have regular staff meetings. He gave me two answers.
Firstly, he said that we don’t need to meet up unless I think you are not doing a good job. Then we will meet. I trust what you and other staff are doing, that is why you were employed in the first place. The second and even more poignant was ‘Winners have parties, losers have meetings. End of discussion.
Wallabies – Effective Communication and Leadership
Rod MacQueen, another influential figure in my career, taught me the importance of effective communication and leadership. Coming from a business background, MacQueen ran everything with a focus on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and strategic planning. He instilled in me the importance of meticulous planning and execution. Plan it right the very first time, and do it right – then you would not have to worry about it again. I don’t know how many times he told me this, but he was right.
Developing strong leadership and communication skills is crucial. Effective trainers are not only knowledgeable but also excellent communicators who can inspire and lead their clients towards their fitness goals.
Rod Macqueen – The Value of Teamwork
Teamwork was another critical lesson I learned under MacQueen. Success in any organisation, whether in sports or business, hinges on the ability to work together towards common goals. Work together and always work towards a common good – always row the boat in the same direction.
We worked hard together both staff and players, and one fantastic afternoon at about 5pm at Cardiff Arms Park in Wales, we were handed the William Webb Ellis Trophy: The World Cup!
I have been fortunate at many of the places where I have worked to have had such a positive influence. At Ipswich Grammar, during the 1980’s and 1990’s we all worked together, and we were exceptionally successful. Other places we weren’t.
Hard Work and Resilience
Perhaps the most fundamental lesson I’ve learned is the value of hard work and resilience. Success is rarely achieved without effort and perseverance. During times when results didn’t go our way, the solution was always to roll up our sleeves, work harder, and stay committed to our game plan. Achieving any goal, whether personal fitness or building a PT business, requires dedication, consistency, and a resilient mindset.
My career in the fitness industry has been a journey filled with learning and growth. From appreciating every experience to understanding the nuances of different training approaches, the importance of trust, continuous learning, effective communication, teamwork, and the value of hard work and resilience, each lesson has been pivotal.
For aspiring personal trainers and those pursuing fitness certifications, these insights can serve as a guiding framework for a successful and fulfilling career. Embrace every opportunity, stay adaptable, build trust, lead effectively, work as a team, and always be ready to put in the hard work. These principles will not only enhance your professional journey but also the success and satisfaction of your clients.
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