Coaching Philosophy
Kona Human Performance's approach to coaching is based on current, evidence-based scientific training principles and concepts.
These principles and concepts have been tested and are endorsed by professional organization, physiologist, leading coaches and elite athletes in the field of medicine, exercise science, physical training, and sport. We believe that every athlete is an individual and should be treated accordingly. Based on reasonable training and racing goals and relying on results from testing and assessments, each athlete is given a customized training program. These training programs use a periodization plan formatted for optimal progression toward peaking for pre-determined events and races. Every effort will be made to ensure these personalized workouts are safe, challenging, and have a specific purpose to meet the athlete's needs.
We utilize a balanced approach by alternate training intensity and monitor frequency and duration to prevent over-training and injury. Periodic follow-up testing will be performed to determine improvement in performance and to quantify the training effect. Because we live in a busy, technology-driven society, Kona offers computer training software to their clients. This internet-accessible program makes it easy for the client and coach to communicate and monitor training progress. However, it is extremely important that personal contact be maintained. This client/coach relationship will always remain the foundation of our coaching philosophy with Kona.
Kona takes a multi-disciplined approach to training. No one person is an expert in every aspect of performance coaching. Kona has enlisted the help of other professionals to assist in meeting your training and racing needs. Additional services provided, but not limited to, are medical doctors specializing in athletic injuries and rehabilitation, bicycling-related legal assistance, nutritional counseling, equipment and safety issues, and psychological preparedness. You can be confident that every person affiliated with Kona will have the proper credentials to handle you as our valued customer. It is important that our coaches and support staff maintain proper, up-to-date certification and have the necessary education and experience necessary to offer you the best in performance coaching and fitness consultation.
We look forward to working with you in the future.
Core and Functional Strength Training
Years ago, I discovered posture and movement analysis. I do this with all my clients now and go through an assessment with them, static in front of a grid and dynamic using Grey Cook's methods (http://www.functionalmovement.com/SITE/). I just followed this trail and continued to peel back the layers like an onion. This opened the door for my interest in core and functional training as well as looking at the entire kinetic chain when evaluating athletes with the premise that "you are only as strong as your weakest link", theory. I now apply these concepts in my teaching and coaching. Sometimes people "do not know what they don't know." My clients are older cyclist so the population I deal with really benefits from this information. It's all relative so to flatly reject these principles is insane. As you know, chronic cycling can lead to a host of muscular imbalances and potential overuse injuries, especially with master athletes. I try to use functional and sport specific exercises to counterbalance this and prevent injuries. I think strengthening the posterior chain is vital and do a lot of upper and lower back, hip, and core exercises. Most of the exercises only require body weight as resistance. Paul Chek (http://www.chekinstitute.com/Correspondence_Courses) has very good information on back and core, Mike Boyle (www.strengthcoach.com) is very good with functional strength training in the US as well as Mark Verstegan (http://www.coreperformance.com/). The National Strength and Conditioning Assoc. (NSCA) and the National Sports Medicine Assoc. (NSMA) have good continuing education opportunities for a person to grow as a coach. Additionally, you can pick up one of many undergraduate and graduate school text books on Biomechanics and/or Kinesiology, Priciples and Application to find references to support these concepts and principles.
Stand up for what you believe in and have strength in your convictions.