New Challenge & Surprising Challenges

Friday, September 28, 2018 · Mike Davis

Good morning! Grab your coffee and pull up a chair.

Fall is officially here and some relief from hot and humid weather as well. This is when conditioning tends to feel like it has come back, when, it never really left. Heat and humidity play with us physically and emotionally but enduring makes this time of year all the sweeter. Take advantage of the relief and enjoy my most favorite time of the year for running.

I took a job at the YMCA as a Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer about 4 months ago. A Wellness Coach basically walks around the fitness center and converses with the members and keeps equipment clean and etc.… My primary job is personal training for those members desiring one on one help. Because of being primarily a running coach, I have had limited experience working with individuals seeking only strength training. The first few months were a bit of a challenge as I adjusted to the work hours and being our of my primary comfort zone.

When I took the job at the Y my primary goal was to get more experience in personal training, as I felt my strengths were more far more running focused. Knowing ultimately, I want to transition NFLR to a full functional model, helping endurance athletes in all aspects of their fitness. (More about that later)

As I said, the first few months have been an adjustment for me, but the challenges have exceeded me in ways I never expected. Within a couple weeks I was given my first personal training client, and this would be my first ever experience working with someone who had no desire to be a runner. (I know, who would ever think that way!)

I was excited to get out of my comfort zone, but to be totally honest, I worried about working primarily as a personal trainer. Little did I know that right off I would be challenged beyond what even I feared. My first ever personal training client turned out to be a young woman with Downs Syndrome. I must admit, I was in no way prepared for that challenge.

The challenge of working with a special needs young lady forced me to get better educated, so I did what I normally did and found as much information as I could and sought out from my college professor. We are now into our fourth month of training and it has been a constant education for me, but I believe the training has improved as we try different exercises and approaches. Betsy is great, but can be a bit stubborn, which is typical I have been told. While I believe this training is benefiting Betsy, I believe it has benefited me more. I am learning how to be creative in designing her plan and I am also gaining insight in population I have never really been exposed to.

Previously my only exposure to special needs individuals was through Kathy, as she worked with several autistic individuals. Often, she would discuss the challenges and how she found success with the various unique circumstances. I always appreciated her ability to help challenged individuals, but never thought I would need to utilize her skills. Now I work with 9 people, with two being special needs. I am learning a lot more about personal training than just effective exercises!

While the YMCA may not be a permanent stop, right now I am grateful for the opportunity to gain more experience as a personal trainer and much more…

Have an awesome Friday and finish strong!

God Bless!

Mike