#66 - Skills Coach & Mental Performance Coach - Dr. Gareth Jones of ALine Coaching
Feb 15, 2024
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Dr. Gareth Jones, Skills Coach & Mental Performance Coach, discusses the benefits of coaching in mountain biking, customizing the performance wheel, finding intrinsic motivation, experiences with traveling and fear in pro riders, the impact of mindset on skill development, and the effects of media consumption on mental health.
Developing both skills and a positive mindset is crucial for improving mountain biking experience.
Coaching is no longer seen as solely for beginners or problem-solving, but as a tool for enhancing performance and achieving goals.
Incorporating match day rides and training day rides in a routine is essential for well-rounded progress.
Deep dives
The importance of Dr Gareth Jones' expertise in improving mountain biking skills and mental performance
Dr Gareth Jones, a coach at A-Line Coaching, combines his mountain biking coaching experience with his PhD in behavioral health psychology and sports and exercise psychology to enhance riders' skills and mental performance. He emphasizes the significance of both skill development and mental mindset in improving one's riding experience.
The collaborative partnership between A-Line Coaching and Ben's We Ride
A-Line Coaching and Ben's We Ride have recently partnered to foster the growth of their respective coaching companies. While A-Line focuses on coaching, We Ride specializes in guiding and leading bike rides. This collaboration allows them to provide a more tailored and specific experience for riders, catering to their individual needs.
The shift in mountain biking culture towards accepting coaching
Mountain biking culture has gradually evolved to embrace the idea of coaching as a means of improving performance and enhancing skills, rather than viewing it solely as a solution for beginner riders or those with specific problems. More riders are seeking coaching to enhance their performance, seeking to achieve specific goals, and develop a better overall understanding of the sport.
The importance of balancing match day rides with training day rides
Balancing match day rides, where riders focus on riding at their limits, with training day rides that prioritize skill development is essential for long-term improvement. While match day rides provide the excitement of going all-out, training day rides allow riders to focus on specific skills and techniques, receiving instant feedback and making necessary corrections. Incorporating both types of rides in a training routine is crucial for well-rounded progress.
Importance of Training for Confidence and Discipline
Training at the gym or at home brings numerous benefits, including increased tolerance to pain, building strength and confidence. By pushing through challenging exercises like press-ups, individuals develop discipline and mental fortitude. Moreover, training also has a broader impact beyond physical fitness. A focus on nutrition, for example, improves mental health, concentration, and energy levels. Developing a consistent fitness routine becomes a way of life, positively influencing various aspects of well-being.
Understanding Fear and the Power of Language
There is a common misconception that elite athletes, including professional riders, do not experience fear. However, fear is a natural emotion and even the most skilled riders still feel it to some extent. Fear can manifest as cognitive thoughts or physical sensations like an elevated heart rate or sweaty palms. The language we use to define our fears and challenges is crucial to our performance. Adopting a growth mindset and reframing fears as exciting opportunities can help riders overcome mental barriers and improve their skills. The power of language extends beyond riding, as it affects our overall mental health and performance in various areas of life, reinforcing the need for awareness and mindful language use.