#56 - Keegan Coach - How To Make Yourself More Athletic
Sep 20, 2024
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In this chat, Keegan Coach, a former NRL strength coach with over 20 years of experience, dives into the secrets of building an athletic body. He emphasizes skill training and its profound benefits, including how juggling can alter your brain. The duo discusses mastering movement and the importance of rep speed for enhancing athleticism. Keegan also tackles the significance of muscle range in training and promotes a versatile approach over mere specialization. Personal motivation, community support, and mentorship are also highlighted as vital for continuous growth in fitness.
Athleticism encompasses not just strength but also skill, speed, stamina, and flexibility, reflecting a more holistic view of performance.
Incorporating skill training into workouts can significantly enhance athletic performance by improving coordination and movement efficiency.
Engaging in playful learning approaches for skill acquisition fosters a lifelong passion for movement while promoting both physical and cognitive development.
Deep dives
Redefining Athleticism
Athleticism should be understood as more than just strength and conditioning; it encompasses a variety of qualities including skill, speed, stamina, strength, and flexibility. Elite athletes often have diverse backgrounds, engaging in activities like gymnastics, breakdancing, or trampolining during their childhood, which contribute to their well-rounded capabilities. This broader perspective allows athletes to develop unique skills that are often overlooked in traditional strength and conditioning paradigms. Coaches and trainers are encouraged to shift their focus from a limited view of athleticism to one that appreciates the diverse capacities required for peak performance.
The Importance of Skill Work
Incorporating skill work into training regimens can enhance athletic performance by improving abilities such as hand-eye coordination and movement efficiency. The guest describes how introducing new skills to their team led to significant competitive advantages, as it allowed athletes to develop functions they typically wouldn't practice. This emphasis on skill not only expands athletic capacity but also helps to keep training engaging and enjoyable. As more coaches recognize the importance of skill work, the traditional notions surrounding training methods need to evolve to include this essential aspect of athleticism.
Cognitive Engagement in Training
Engaging the brain during physical training is crucial for overall development and well-being. Many individuals neglect the cognitive aspect of their workouts, focusing solely on physical gains without considering the mental stimulation that learning new skills provides. Developing skills like juggling or handstands not only enhances physical ability but also promotes neuroplasticity, leading to improved mental functioning and resilience. By embracing cognitive challenges in their training, individuals can experience a more holistic approach to fitness that nurtures both body and mind.
Learning Through Play
The process of learning new skills often mirrors the joy and exploration seen in early childhood development. The guest highlights how children instinctively engage in play, exploring movement and developing skills without the constraints adults often place on themselves. By adopting a playful mindset in their training, individuals can foster a lifelong passion for movement and growth. Emphasizing a playful approach encourages individuals to experiment with various activities and skills, breaking free from the rigidity of conventional training methods.
Establishing Practical Skill Protocols
Implementing effective methods for skill acquisition involves consistent practice, minor variations, and maintaining intensity in training. Practicing daily, even for short durations, can lead to significant improvements in skill development. Additionally, incorporating variations during practice can enhance awareness and adaptability during execution. Utilizing intensity as a means of motivation allows for greater engagement in skill work, ultimately leading to more substantial progress and enjoyment.
Generalism vs. Specialism in Fitness
Striking a balance between generalism and specialization can improve long-term engagement and progress in fitness. Specialization may lead to rapid advancements in a specific area, but it can also limit overall physical development and expose practitioners to burnout. A more generalist approach allows individuals to explore various disciplines, ensuring they maintain interest and enjoyment in their fitness journey. By embracing a broader range of activities, individuals can also cultivate diverse skills that contribute to a well-rounded athleticism.
Keegan is a former NRL strength coach with over 20 years of experience. If you want to run faster, jump higher, gain flexibility, master bodyweight exercises, lift heavy ass weights all while unlocking an aesthetic and strong physique, this podcast is for you. . 📌 Watch Podcast With Video - https://youtu.be/f8OadY5sE8c . (00:13) - Build An Athletic Body (3:13) - Benefits of Skill Training (7:52) - Juggling Will Change Your Brain (16:00) - Learning Skills Fast (22:02) - Rep Speed For Athleticism (36:20) - Best Range Of Motion? (44:56) - Increase Your Flexibility (53:16) - Become More Well Rounded (1:07:07) - The Darkside of Fitness (1:19:28) - Important Lessons From Best Coaches . Follow Keegan: Instagram
