I just attended Dutch’s Performance Development Seminar at Crossfit Invictus. I’d like to write about what the seminar was about, and my views on the information presented. First off, I’d like to say that Crossfit Invictus is an outstanding facility, and CJ Martin, owner, was the most gracious host. Overall, I will say that Dutch did an amazing job getting the information out there and filling the much needed gap of “making better trainers”. My notes get a bit more detailed, but I will try to put up some main points. My review may be a bit “shotgun blasted” and somewhat incoherent… sorry about that.
Dutch Lowy - presenter. Dutch, as we all know is an amazing athlete. I learned today that in addition to being a great Coach/Trainer, he is also an outstanding teacher.
The seminar covered Programming, Prepping for a Level 2 Cert, How to be a better trainer, and Training Clients.
Programming - “Is it going to make you more fit” - The big take away from this topic is for the trainer to ask this question before creating each workout. We reviewed the basic programming information provided at the Level 1 Cert and information from CFJ Feb ‘03.
“Doing bad Crossfit is better than doing no Crossfit” - My notes go a bit more in depth, but I will list some of the topics we discussed within programming.
We covered the definition of Crossfit, power output, how out power output works in relation to time, where we should program our WODS for peak performance, scaling and assessing your clients strengths and weakness. Another big takeaway from this… SCALING weight for a better time often is better for overall power output.
Overall great presentation. There are some more in depth questions I jotted down that I wanted to mull over, and check some journals, then I’ll probably send Dutch an email asking for more guidance in relation to programming.
Prepping for a Level 2 - We spent some time discussing how to pass a level 2 cert. We had some good feedback and got to watch several different coaching styles. For those who had already passed their level 2’s, it was probably too long. I enjoyed it, as I have not yet passed my Level 2.
Being a better trainer/training clients - We covered several traits which make a great trainer/coach/gym environment. Some takeaways for me - Every trainer should be knowledgeable, consistent, display great attitude and presence. A trainers responsibilities towards his clients should be safety, as well as providing the best possible information. We discussed intensity and how it is relative to the athlete, when is it acceptable for form to breakdown, and covered some OUTSTANDING tips when coaching movements to a client. “Tell someone what to do, NOT what NOT to do”
There was a little more discussion on how to foster a great community, and other business aspects. I was fortunate to meet much of the great coaching staff at Crossfit Invictus, and several other trainers at other southern california crossfit gyms.
Once again, I will say that I had a great time. Dutch provided a good amount of information presented in an organized package. Hopefully we keep some of his points in mind when we program for ourselves or our clients.
