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All right, strap in everyone, because today we're diving headfirst into the world of IFBB master coaching. Sounds intense. It is, but that's why you're here, right? You want to know what makes these elite coaches tick, how they get their athletes to the top. Absolutely. And lucky for us, we've got some awesome material to dig into. Excerpts from Becoming a Successful Coach in Fitness and Bodybuilding. That's a great resource. It really is. So let's unlock those secrets, shall we? What are we waiting for? Let's do it. Now, one thing that struck me right away in this material is the emphasis on the holistic approach. Oh, yes. It’s not just about building muscle. It’s about understanding the athlete as a whole person, right? You got it.
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It’s mind, body, and all the pressures that come with this lifestyle. You know, physique athletes face unique challenges. Yeah, like you’re constantly striving for physical perfection, maintaining that strict diet, the training, the social pressures. It’s a lot. It is. And that’s where this idea of the adaptive engagement method comes in. Okay, now you’ve piqued my curiosity. Adaptive engagement, huh? So are you saying these master coaches are ditching those strict plans? Not exactly ditching. More like shifting the focus. It's about empowering the athlete to become a problem solver. You know, understand the why behind the training and nutrition. Learn to adapt as needed. So it's less about dictating a plan, more about guiding them on the journey. That's a great way to put it. I like that.
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But how does that play out in those high pressure situations, like peak week before a competition? That's got to be a whole other beast. Peak week. Oh, you're right. That's when this approach really shines. Imagine this. Coach Casey is working with athlete Alex, who's prepping for a show, right? They're in a posing practice, and Alex is just drained. Uh-oh. Yeah. Energy levels are tanking. He can't hold the poses. It's not looking good. I can feel the tension from here. Competition is days away. So what does a master coach do in that situation? Just yell at Alex to push harder? That's what separates the average coach from the master. Instead of losing it, Coach Casey puts on that detective hat, starts thinking-Detective hat. Right. They consider all these different factors, athlete-related, situational, the whole picture.
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Give me some examples. What kind of factors? Okay. So with Alex, you've got his stress levels, right? His hydration, maybe past experiences with peak week. Right. Those are all clues. Exactly. And then you've got the competition timing, pressure of weigh-ins, how are the other athletes doing? It's all connected. Wow. So it's like a puzzle Coach Casey has to piece together. Yeah. Before making any decisions. It's about figuring out what's really going on with Alex. And then? And then they make an informed call, balancing that athlete's well-being with those competitive goals. It's a tightrope walk. That makes total sense. You need that real-world experience to navigate those tricky situations. But what about formal education? Does that not help? It does. But the material mentions some challenges, even with formal education. Really?
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What kind of challenges? Well, sometimes traditional coaching education gets stuck in theory and doesn't translate to real-world application. Right. I get it. Like you can know all about nutrition science, but then peak week hits, your athlete's body is reacting in a weird way. And suddenly those textbooks are going to be exactly. Or, you know, you've learned the perfect pose, but on stage under the lights with this particular judge for this particular athlete's physique, you need to adapt. Experience is key. Real-world practice, as they called it. Yes. So real-world practice, that sounds pretty self-explanatory, but what does that actually look like? Think about it this way. You can attend all the seminars, devour every book, but the real learning, that happens when you're in the gym working with athletes and things go sideways.
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That's where you truly grow as a coach. You can't learn that from a textbook. Nope. So testing your knowledge in the fire of real coaching. Got it. But there must be more to it, right? Real-world practice can't be the only thing. You're absolutely right. This material talks about a whole spectrum of learning. Mediated learning, unmediated learning, internal learning. Okay. Break that down for me. Mediated, unmediated, internal. So mediated learning is what we usually think of as learning from external sources, books, workshops, that kind of stuff. Classic learning. Yeah. Unmediated, that's more about self-initiated experiences. Experimenting with techniques, shadowing, experienced coaches, getting your hands dirty, so to speak. Right. That's where that real-world stuff comes in. Exactly. But what about internal learning? That's a new one. Internal learning, that's where experience turns into wisdom.
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It's all about reflection. You know, going back and looking at past situations, figuring out what worked, what didn't. So it's learning from your mistakes, refining your approach. Exactly. And it becomes even more important as you become more experienced. It's not just applying knowledge anymore. It's developing your own coaching philosophy. Exactly. It's like leveling up in the coaching game. I like that. You're not just relying on someone else's playbook anymore. You're creating your own. Exactly. And that's what makes this whole journey so interesting. It's a constant evolution. Knowledge, experience, and that crucial element of self-reflection. It's becoming a student of the craft, not just a practitioner. And, you know, speaking of understanding those nuances, the material really emphasizes empathy. Oh, yeah. Empathy, especially in a sport like bodybuilding.
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I mean, these athletes are pushing their limits. They're pushing their limits. They're pushing their limits. They're pushing their limits. They're pushing their limits. They're pushing their limits. Constantly. Constantly. The pressure is intense. They need a coach who gets that. They do. You know, who sees them as human beings, not just physiques. The material even had these scenarios, like one athlete struggling with the social isolation of contest prep, another one just breaking down, feeling totally lost. Tough stuff. It is tough. And that's why empathy is so important. It creates that safe space for athletes to open up, to be vulnerable. They need to know their coach understands. It builds that trust, that connection. My coach gets me. But, you know, empathy alone isn't enough to navigate this world. What about cultural competence?
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How do these master coaches make sure they're inclusive and supportive of all athletes from all backgrounds? That's a great point. Cultural competence is non-negotiable these days. The material used some powerful examples to elevate this. Justin, a gay bodybuilder, trying to navigate, coming out in support that can be, let's face it, pretty judgmental. And Naya, a bikini athlete, battling those feelings of withdrawal, losing her passion for the sport. These are issues that a lot of coaches probably don't feel equipped to handle. You're right. And that's where education comes in. Coaches need to educate themselves about different cultures, identities, the challenges athletes from diverse backgrounds face. It's about creating that environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. So it's about more than just avoiding offensive language. It's about actively promoting inclusivity and understanding.
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Exactly. Addressing stereotypes, normalizing conversations about mental health, being sensitive to the unique pressures these athletes face. It's about meeting them where they are. You got it. Creating that space for open communication. And speaking of communication, that's something this material really hammers home. It's as crucial as any technical knowledge. Absolutely. Miscommunication, it can lead to so much frustration, setbacks, missed opportunities. Think about it. You've got an athlete who's feeling misunderstood, or a coach whose intentions aren't clear. It's a recipe for disaster. Especially in a sport as demanding as this. Oh, absolutely. You're pushing athletes to their limits, physically and mentally. Clear communication is vital. Vital for achieving goals, avoiding problems. You got it. But it's not just about being clear, is it? There are specific strategies these master coaches use.
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Okay, spill the secrets. What strategies? One that stands out is really understanding athlete motivation. You have to remember, not all athletes are driven by the same things. Some thrive on competition. Some seek personal growth. Some crave recognition. It's a mixed bag. So tailoring your communication to those individual needs is key. Exactly. What motivates one athlete might demotivate another. Makes sense. What else is in that master coach communication? Another one is managing athlete behavior. And I don't mean in a controlling way, but understanding that behavior is often a symptom of something else. You know, stress, fatigue, personal issues. An athlete who's irritable or withdrawn, there's usually something deeper going on. Well, instead of just addressing the behavior, you dig deeper, address the root cause. Exactly. And the material also talks about reflective practice when it comes to communication.
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Taking that time after a session to analyze those interactions. Was my tone supportive? Or did it come across as critical? Did I really listen to what my athlete was trying to say? So it's about developing that self-awareness as a coach, understanding how your communication style impacts your athletes. Absolutely. It's fine-tuning that coaching instrument. And speaking of fine-tuning, let's talk about a fascinating concept this material introduces. Self-determination theory. Ooh, sounds complicated. It's not that bad. It's all about understanding those psychological needs that drive motivation. Autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Okay. So how do those- Those three needs, autonomy, competence, and relatedness, how do those play out in the world of bodybuilding? Can you give us some real-world examples? Absolutely. Let's start with autonomy. Picture two different coaches.
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One is a dictator. You know, every detail of the training plan is set in stone. Guilt trips for motivation, athletes' feedback. Forget about it. Oof, not a good look. No. Now, the other coach, they collaborate on goals, explain the why behind the training choices, offer options, encourage input. Night and day, right? Totally. Which brings us to competence. Confidence. That feeling of, I can do this. I'm good at this. Right. So imagine an athlete who's consistently seeing progress. Their physique is transforming. Their coach is supportive. They're getting that positive reinforcement. That's a recipe for confidence and motivation. For sure. But then flip that script. Imagine a coach who's constantly critical, setting those unrealistic goals. That athlete's sense of competence is going to crumble. Yeah, they're going to want to quit. Exactly.
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And then we have relatedness. Feeling connected, supported, not just by the coach, but by the whole training environment. Do they feel like they belong? Like they're understood and respected as an individual? That sense of community can be a powerful motivator, especially in a sport that can feel isolating at times. Absolutely. And that's why the material stresses the importance of creating that supportive coaching climate. Which leads us to this idea of climate. I'm fascinated by the two types it outlines, task-involving and ego-involving. Yeah, it's a really interesting concept. Can you break those down for us? Okay, so think of task-involving climate or mastery climate. It's all about effort. Effort, learning, self-improvement, embracing that journey of getting better. Mistakes are opportunities for growth. Exactly. Now, the ego-involving climate or performance climate, it's all about winning, outperforming others, that external validation.
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So in that environment, mistakes equal failure. Yeah, and that can lead to fear, avoidance, all sorts of negative stuff. And the research is clear: Task-involving climates are way better for long-term development. More motivation, more resilience, less burnout. It's a safer space for athletes to push themselves without that fear of failure. Exactly. But we've been so focused on the athlete. What about the coach? Don't they need motivation too? Oh, absolutely. This material addresses that head-on. A coach's own motivation and well-being, it's essential. It even talks about burnout. Burnout, yeah, I can see how that could happen. It's emotionally demanding work. It is. You're dealing with athletes under immense pressure, setbacks, it can take its toll. Self-care is non-negotiable for coaches. Setting boundaries, recharging, making sure you're not sacrificing your own well-being. Preach.
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But what keeps coaches motivated in the first place? What fuels that passion? The material breaks it down into four main sources. First, there's that connection to the sport itself, the passion for bodybuilding. It's what makes those long hours and challenges worthwhile. That passion is contagious, right? It is. It inspires athletes. Then there's the satisfaction of seeing both yourself and your athletes grow and develop. Watching an athlete hit a new PR, witnessing your own coaching skills evolve. It's incredibly rewarding. It's that sense of progress. You move forward together. Exactly. Then there's personal achievement. Hitting those coaching milestones, you know, helping an athlete win a show, building a successful business, becoming a recognized expert. Those markers of success. Yes. And finally, for many coaches, the most rewarding part is the human connection.
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Helping people become the best versions of themselves, inside and outside the gym. Making a positive impact. Exactly. So you combine that passion for the sport, the drive to see growth, the desire to achieve, the love of working with people, and you've got the recipe for a truly exceptional coach. And speaking of exceptional, let's talk about a leadership model this material highlights. Transformational leadership. Ooh, I like the sound of that. Transformational leadership. What's the gist? It's about inspiring athletes to reach their full potential. Not just managing and directing, but motivating them to become more than they thought possible. Sounds powerful. It is. And the material uses this four eyes framework to break it down. First, you've got idealized influence. Walking the walk. Embodying the values you want to see in your athletes.
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Leading by example. Exactly. Then you have inspirational motivation. Communicating a clear vision. Setting those high standards. Inspiring athletes to believe they can achieve those ambitious goals. Painting the picture of what's possible and making them believe they can get there. Yes. Next, intellectual stimulation. Challenging athletes to think critically, to question assumptions, to come up with those creative solutions. Engaging their minds, not just their bodies. Precisely. And finally, individualized consideration. Recognizing that each athlete is unique. With their own unique talent. With their own strengths, weaknesses, needs. Tailoring your approach to the individual. Exactly. So there you have it. Idealized influence. Inspirational motivation. Intellectual stimulation. And individualized consideration. The four eyes of transformational leadership. It's a holistic approach to leadership. But let's get down to brass tech. How do master coaches actually teach those technical skills?
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What's their secret sauce? Well, the material breaks down effective instruction into four key steps. First, there's preparation. It's stuff setting the stage. Arranging your athletes so they can see. Minimizing distractions. Naming the technique. Explaining its purpose. Create that learning environment. Exactly. Then it comes demonstration and explanation. Show and tell bodybuilding style. You provide that clear visual model. Break down the skill into those bite-sized pieces. Explain the key points. OK, so show, tell, and then what? Throw them to the wolves. Not quite. The third step is practice. The heart of learning. This is where the athlete gets hands on, tries out the skill, and the coach provides feedback, corrections, guidance. Learning by doing. Yes. And finally, there's follow up. Assigning homework, additional drills, emphasizing consistency. It's not just a one and done lesson.
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It's about reinforcing that learning. Makes sense. But let's zoom in on the mental side for a second. This material talks about the mental stage of learning. Ah, the mental game. What's happening in the athlete's mind at this point? Imagine they're learning a brand new skill. The mental stage is all about processing the information, wrapping their head around those movements, forming that initial mental blueprint. Lots of cognitive work. Yes. And mistakes are common. It's like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. So what's the coach's role during this stage? Patience, I imagine. Patience is key. Clear demos, concise explanations, tons of encouragement. The goal is to guide the athlete towards that 'aha' moment where the skill starts to click. OK, so once they've got that mental grasp, what's next?
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Then it's on to the practice stage. Repetition, refinement, building consistency, time to grind. Get those wrecks in. Yes. And the coach becomes that steady hand. Feedback, corrections, support, keeping that motivational fire burning. Practice makes progress. Exactly. And with consistent practice, they eventually reach the automatic stage. OK, tell me about this automatic stage. It sounds magical. Imagine this. The athlete no longer has to consciously think about each step. The skill becomes instinctual, smooth, effortless, even under pressure. They've unlocked that flow state. Precisely. That's the ultimate goal, mastery. But how do coaches design effective practices that get them there? It's not just random training. Right. There's got to be a strategy. There is. This material introduces a fantastic tool called the 1-2-3 template for designing effective practices. Oh, I love a good framework.
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Hit me with it. OK, so stage one is organization. Setting the stage for a productive session. Minimizing confusion, cognitive overload. Think of it like this. The coach explains the drill clearly, demonstrates the setup, assigns roles, make sure everyone's on the same page. No wasted time. Everyone's focused. Yes. Then stage two, new learning. This is where you introduce that new skill or technique. Clear instructions, consistent feedback, repetition. You might even use visual aids or incorporate games. Games. In bodybuilding? You'd be surprised how effective they can be. Adds a fun, competitive element. Great for reinforcement. I like it. So stage three, better learning. How's that different? Better learning is about taking those skills to the next level. Think of it like adding weight, increasing reps, incorporating pauses, playing with tempo, pushing those boundaries, promoting mastery.
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So you're progressively challenging them, preventing those plateaus. Exactly. The one, two, three template is all about creating a dynamic, engaging experience that keeps those athletes motivated and improving. Love it. So practical and versatile. But before we wrap up this part of our deep dive, I want to touch on something else the material mentions. Questioning as a pedological tool. Ah, yes. The power of the question. It's something we do all the time, but I never really thought of it as a strategic coaching technique. You'd be surprised how powerful the right question can be. The material says it's often often underutilized. Really? What makes it so effective? Well, it forces those athletes to think actively. They have to engage with the material, analyze it, come up with their own answers, leads to deeper understanding and retention.
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It's like that saying, tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn. Exactly. Plus, questioning helps identify any misunderstandings. It's a great diagnostic tool. Two-way street. It encourages athletes to think critically and seek information, not just passively receive it. You've got it. But it's not about asking random questions. There are different types. Factual questions, clarifying questions, open-ended questions, reflective questions. Each serves a purpose. Okay, give me a bodybuilding example. How do those different types of questions work in practice? Let's say you're working with an athlete on their deadlifts, right? A factual question could be, what are the three main points of contact for a proper deadlift setup? Clarifying question. How does your grip width affect your back engagement during the lift? Open-ended question.
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What strategies can you use to improve your grip strength for heavier deadlifts? And a reflective question. What cues help you maintain proper form throughout the entire lift? So it’s about using questions to guide their learning, challenge their thinking, help them take ownership. Exactly. And that’s what makes coaching so much more than just teaching technique. It’s about fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of the sport. It’s about empowering athletes to become their own best coaches. Precisely. Welcome back. Ready for more deep dive action? You bet I am. My brain is still processing everything from our last session, that adaptive engagement method, the four I’s of transformational leadership. It’s a lot to unpack, right? But that’s what we’re here for. Exactly.
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To go deep, explore those hidden layers of what makes a master coach. So, what's on the agenda for today? Today, we're tackling feedback. Feedback. Yep. That cornerstone of effective coaching. Oh, yeah. Feedback. The good, the bad, and sometimes ugly. It could be all of those things. Especially in bodybuilding. I imagine you're constantly striving for perfection. Any little critique can feel like a major setback. You're right. And that's why mastering the art of giving effective feedback is so crucial for these coaches. So, what's the secret? How do they make it work? Well, one thing this material really stresses is that feedback should be specific, actionable, and focused on effort and improvement, not just the outcome. I like that. So it's not about just pointing out flaws. It's about guiding the athlete toward mastery.
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Exactly. It's about helping them unlock their potential, not just tearing them down. But feedback can be tricky, right? Sometimes it motivates, sometimes it backfires. How do they do that? How do these master coaches navigate that? One key is understanding the different functions of feedback. This material breaks it down into four. Four. Yeah. Inform, motivate, reinforce, and yes, even punish. OK, let's unpack those. Inform, that seems pretty straightforward. Just giving the athlete clear information about their performance. Exactly. Objective data. Like your squat depth was great on that set, but I noticed your knees caving in. Let's focus on keeping them aligned with your toes. So you're informing them about both strengths and weaknesses. Right. Clear, unbiased assessment. No sugar. No coding. Got it. What about motivate? How does feedback play into that?
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Motivation, it's all about that emotional impact. Boosting confidence, reducing anxiety, you know, keeping those spirits high. You might praise their progress, highlight their dedication, remind them of their goals. So you're tapping into those intrinsic motivators, that fire within. Exactly. And then there's reinforcement, similar to motivation, but more about strengthening specific behaviors, making those desired actions more likely to happen again. Give me an example. OK. When an athlete is consistently crushing their meal prep, staying on track with their diet, you might say, 'I'm really impressed with your commitment to your nutrition, that consistency is going to make a huge difference on stage.' That reinforcement solidifies that behavior, recognizing those little wins that lead to big results. Exactly. OK, now for the tricky one. Punishment. It's a touchy subject, right?
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But it does have a place in coaching. It's about decreasing the likelihood of those undesirable behaviors. So like extra conditioning or conditioning for missed sessions, that kind of thing. Yeah, or maybe a serious conversation about lack of effort. But the material cautions against relying too heavily on punishment. I can see how it could backfire, create resentment. It definitely can. It's often less effective than positive reinforcement. And it can damage that coach athlete relationship. It's really about finding that balance. So punishment is a last resort when all else fails. Pretty much. But let's shift gears a bit and talk about timing. The material makes a distinction between concurrent feedback and terminal feedback. Concurrent versus terminal. OK, break it down for me. Imagine you're watching an athlete squat.
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If you're giving cues during the set, like 'chest up', 'drive through your heels', that's concurrent feedback, real-time guidance happening as they're moving. Got it. So what's terminal feedback then? Terminal feedback comes after the movement is done. It's more reflective, gives the athlete time to process and the coach a chance to offer a more complete assessment. Like a post-game analysis. Exactly. OK, so concurrent is in the moment. Terminal is after the fact. Both seem valuable. But I imagine. They each have pros and cons. Let's start with concurrent. What are the advantages? Well, concurrent feedback is great for correcting errors in real-time, especially for those technical skills that require precise execution. Like you're watching an athlete do bicep curls and you see their elbow flaring. You can immediately cue them to adjust.
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It's like having a coach in your ear keeping you on track. Right. But there are some downsides. One is that it can create dependence. Dependence. Yeah. If an athlete's always relying on your feedback for every rep, they might not develop their own internal feedback mechanisms. That sense of body awareness. Right. You don't want them to become reliant on you for every little thing. Exactly. And another potential downside is that it can be distracting. If the athlete's trying to focus on their internal sensations, all those cues can throw them off. So concurrent feedback, powerful tool, but use it wisely. Exactly. Now, terminal feedback. What do you think are the strengths there? Well, it seems like it allows for a deeper analysis. You got it. You can really dive into those details.
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Look at the bigger picture, like reviewing training logs, analyzing progress over time. And it gives athletes a chance to reflect, contribute to the assessment. Yes. But of course, there are downsides since it's delayed. The athlete might not remember the specifics of their performance as clearly. Right. Those little nuances might be lost. Exactly. So ultimately, it's about choosing the right type of feedback for the situation. Having those tools in your coaching toolbox and knowing when to use them. Exactly. Now, another interesting concept this material brings up is the focus of attention. Have you heard of that? Focus of attention? No, not really. Fill me in. It's all about whether you're directing the athlete's attention inward to their body or outward to the external effects of their movement. OK, I'm not quite picturing that.
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Give me an example. Let's say your athlete's bench pressing. An internal cue would be something like squeeze your chest muscles as you press the bar up. That directs their attention inward to their body. Right. An external cue would be push the bar towards the ceiling. Their focus is now on the effect of their movement on the bar. Interesting. So subtle. But I bet it makes a difference in how they experience the movement. It does. And the research is pretty clear on this one. An external focus of attention leads to better performance and learning. Really? I would have thought focus them internally would be more effective. Yeah, it seems counterintuitive. But think about it. When we overthink things, try to consciously control every muscle, we actually interfere with our natural coordination.
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It's like when you try to explain how you walk, you do it effortlessly, but the moment you start thinking about each muscle, you trip over your own feet. Exactly. Another theory is focus promotes automaticity. When we focus on the outcome, our brains can chunk those movements into a smoother sequence. Like learning to type. At first you're thinking about every key, but then your fingers just know where to go. Perfect analogy. So how can coaches apply this? Well, whenever possible, phrase your cues in terms of those external effects. So instead of engage your core, you might say, imagine bracing your core against a wall. Exactly. You're still cueing core engagement, but directing their attention outward. I like it. And even when giving feedback on technique, try to link it to the external outcome.
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Instead of saying your back is rounding, you might say, keep your chest up so you can lift the weight more efficiently. Yes, you're addressing the technical issue, but promoting that external focus. It's all about making those subtle shifts in language to enhance the learning process. Exactly. But let's not forget about the motivational aspect of feedback. We know positive feedback generally works better than negative, but is there more to it? I'm sure there is. These master coaches, they're always a step ahead. They are. And this material dives into a concept called implicit theories, which are basically mindsets about ability. Do we believe our talents are fixed or can we grow and improve? Ah, the fixed mindset versus growth mindset thing. You got it. So there are two main implicit theories, entity theory and incremental theory.
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Entity theory, that's like the fixed mindset. Ability is fixed. You're either born with it or you're not. Incremental theory, that's the growth mindset. Ability is malleable. It can be developed. So how does all of this relate to feedback and bodybuilding? Well, think about it. An athlete with a fixed mindset receives negative feedback. They might think, 'see, I knew I wasn't cut out for this. I don't have the talent.' An athlete with a growth mindset, they see that feedback, even the negative stuff, as valuable information to help them improve. So it's not just the words themselves. It's how the athlete interprets those words based on their mindset. Exactly. And that's why cultivating a growth mindset is so crucial. It makes them more resilient, more receptive to feedback, more motivated.
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So how can coaches do that, encourage that growth mindset through feedback? One key is to focus on effort and improvement, not just outcomes. Praise them for their hard work, their dedication, not just the results. Acknowledge the process, not just the product. Yes. And when giving corrective feedback, focus on those controllable factors. Instead of saying you're not strong enough, you might say, 'let's work on building your strength. We'll adjust your training plan and see how we can make some gains.' So you're giving them a sense of agency, empowering them to make those changes. Exactly. Another important strategy is to frame challenges as opportunities for growth. Instead of saying 'this competition is going to be tough', This is a great chance for you to test yourself. See how far you've come.
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Shifting from fear of failure to excitement for the challenge. Exactly. It's all about perspective. But there's one more aspect of feedback we need to touch on. Preventing feedback dependence. Wait, isn't feedback essential? How can you be dependent on it? It is essential. But the goal is to guide athletes toward becoming self-regulated learners. They should be able to monitor their own performance, identify areas for improvement, make adjustments without constantly needing your input. Right. So they become their own best coaches. Exactly. And one strategy for that is called fading, gradually reducing the frequency of feedback as they progress. Like taking the training wheels off a bike. Perfect analogy. Another strategy is bands with feedback. You set specific criteria for when feedback will be given.
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So instead of feedback after every rap, you might say, I'll only give you feedback if your hips rise faster than your shoulders during the deadlift. So you're narrowing the focus, encouraging them to self-monitor. Right. And another strategy is to encourage self-assessment. And reflection. Have them keep a training journal, analyze their own videos. Just take time to think about what went well and what they could improve. It's about developing those metacognitive skills, that ability to analyze and adjust their own performance. You got it. And that's the ultimate goal of effective feedback. Empowering athletes to become independent, self-directed learners who are constantly striving to improve. Lifelong learners. Exactly. But let's not forget about the language of feedback. Words matter, right? There are certain words that can trigger defensiveness. Undermine motivation. Damage that coach-athlete relationship.
00:28:18
Sensitive words, I guess you could call them. Yeah. And the material gives some great examples of how to rephrase those potentially harmful statements. Like what? Well, one common one is using the word 'can't' instead of 'you can't' squat that weight yet. Try. You're not quite ready for that weight yet. But let's work on building your strength so you can crush it in the future. So it's about focusing on possibility, not limitation. Exactly. Another one is 'weak.' Instead of 'your hamstrings are weak,' you could say 'we need to focus on developing and developing more strength and power in your hamstrings.' It's a subtle shift, but it emphasizes the solution, not the problem. Love that. What other words should we be careful with? Lazy is another big one to avoid.
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It's just judgmental. Instead of you're being lazy, try. I've noticed your energy levels have been low lately. Is anything going on that's affecting your motivation? It's about approaching the situation with empathy and curiosity, not jumping to conclusions. Exactly. You want to create that safe space for dialog. Now, let's talk about the different modalities of visual feedback, visual, auditory and haptic. OK, we're going beyond just words now. We are. Visual feedback. It's using sight demonstrations, video replays, diagrams, just pointing something out. Show, don't tell. Precisely. Auditory feedback that's using sound, verbal instructions, cues. Even just your tone of voice can convey a lot of information. Tone is so powerful. It is. And then there's haptic feedback, which is all about touch. Physically guiding an athlete through a movement, adjusting their posture, providing manual resistance.
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So hands-on cues. Helping them feel the correct movement. Exactly. And research suggests that these different modalities can have different effects on learning. So it's not just what you say, it's how you say it, how you show it. Precisely. It's about finding that right blend to create the most impactful learning experience. And that's what makes coaching such a fascinating art. It's not just about biomechanics. It's about psychology, communication, weaving all those elements together. It's about being a scientist, an artist, a mentor, all rolled into one. You got it. And we've just scratched the surface of feedback. There's so much. There's so much more to explore. I'm ready for it. Bring on the next level of coaching wisdom. And we're back for the final round of our deep dive into IFBB Master Coaching.
00:30:22
Round three. Let's do this. I feel like we've been training our brains more than our bodies these past two sessions. But hey, knowledge is power, right? Absolutely. Knowledge is the foundation of everything. So true. And speaking of foundations today, we're building on everything we've learned so far and exploring a topic that's often overlooked, but incredibly powerful. Oh, do tell. Visual aids. Visual aids. Interesting. Yeah, I know it might not sound as exciting as, say, advanced training techniques or cutting-edge nutrition strategies. But trust me, this is good stuff. The material really highlights how visual aids can take coaching to a whole new level. OK, I'm all ears. Convince me. Well, think about it. We're visual creatures, right? We process information so much better when we can see it, not just hear it.
00:31:02
True, true. So whether you're teaching, posing, exercise form, nutrition concepts, even competition strategy, visual aids can make all the difference. OK, I'm starting to see the potential here. But what kind of visual aids are we talking about specifically? The material focuses on three main ones. Athlete demonstrations, video feedback and mirrors. Ah, the classics. Exactly. Starting with athlete demonstrations. I mean, there's nothing quite like seeing a movement performed correctly, right? Especially by someone who embodies that ideal physique. It's inspiring. It's educational. Yeah, but I imagine it can also be intimidating for some athletes. You're right. It's all about how you use it. Athlete demonstrations aren't just about showcasing perfection. You can also use them to highlight common errors or to demonstrate different variations of a movement. Right.
00:31:49
So it's a teaching tool, not just a look at how amazing I am tool. Exactly. And then you've got video feedback, which is like having a replay of your performance. Oh, yeah. Video feedback can be brutal. It can be humbling, that's for sure, but also incredibly valuable. You see those little imperfections you weren't even aware of. Those little things that make a big difference. Exactly. It's like having 100 eyes on you at once. All those flaws magnified. I think that's how you improve, right? You see those weaknesses, you address them. Exactly. And then, of course, you've got the trusty mirror. Ah, the mirror. Every gym's best friend and worst enemy. So true. But seriously, mirrors are more than just a tool for checking your physique. They provide real-time feedback on form, posture, technique.
00:32:28
Yeah, I could see that. Like if you're doing bicep curls, you can instantly see if your elbows are flaring, your back is arched, your shoulders are hunching. Right, that instant feedback loop. But the material also cautions against relying too heavily on mirrors. Oh. Why is that? Well, mirrors only give you a two-dimensional view. All right. You're not getting those internal sensations, that proprioceptive awareness. Right. It's not the whole picture. Exactly. So it's about using mirrors as one tool among many. One piece of the puzzle. And in addition to those three mainstays, master coaches often incorporate other visual tools as well. Graphs, charts, anatomical models. I can see how those would be helpful, especially for those athletes who are more visual learners. Absolutely.
00:33:08
A graph tracking their progress over time can be so much more fascinating than just looking at numbers on a spreadsheet. And an anatomical model-it can really bring those muscle groups to life. Yeah, it helps them understand what's actually happening inside their body. Exactly. So visual aids don't underestimate them. They can be game-changers in coaching. But now let's shift gears and talk about a concept that might seem more at home in team sports, but is actually crucial in bodybuilding as well. Tactical skills. Tactical skills in bodybuilding. Explain yourself. I know it sounds a bit strange, but the material makes a really compelling case for the importance of developing tactical thinking in physique athletes. OK, I'm curious, what does that look like in practice? Well, think about posing, for example.
00:33:49
It's not just about hitting those mandatory poses. It's about understanding how to position your body to highlight your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. I see. It's about strategy. Exactly. Knowing how to transition seamlessly, engage the judges with your facial expressions, even adjusting based on the lighting and stage setup, it’s like a chess match on stage. That’s a great analogy. And tactical thinking applies to training as well. Knowing how to structure your workouts, periodize your training, prioritize exercises based on your specific goals. It’s about being smart with your training, not just working hard. Exactly. And it doesn’t stop there. Tactical thinking extends to nutrition, supplementation, recovery strategies. A master coach knows how to manipulate all those variables to optimize performance. Wow. So it really is a multifaceted approach.
00:34:36
It is. But how do you teach these tactical skills? Is it something you can actually learn or are some people just born with that strategic mind? The material emphasizes that tactical skills can be developed just like any other skill. It takes practice, guidance and the right approach. OK, so how do those master coaches do it? Spill the secrets. One method is scenario-based training. Scenario-based training. Yeah, you create realistic situations that athletes might encounter in competition and then you challenge them to make decisions, adapt their strategies on the fly. So like a mock posing round with unexpected challenges thrown in. Exactly. You could change the lighting, the music, the judging criteria, force them to think on their feet. I love it. What other tactical training techniques are there? Another one is reflective debriefs.
00:35:19
After a training session, a competition, even just a specific drill, you sit down with your athletes, dissect the experience. What went well? What didn't? What could they do differently? Turning those experiences into learning opportunities. Exactly. And encourage them to participate in the process. The more they reflect and analyze, the better they'll become at making those strategic decisions. So it's not just about doing. It's about thinking. About what you've done. Right. And then there's pure observation. Have athletes watch each other train, pose, provide feedback. It's like having multiple coaches in the room. Leveraging the collective wisdom of the group. Exactly. And it creates that supportive learning environment where everyone can learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses. It's about community collaboration, something I think we often overlook in bodybuilding. Absolutely.
00:36:02
But there's one final piece of the tactical puzzle we need to discuss. Understanding the competitive environment. Ah, yes, the competitive environment. I imagine that's about more than just knowing the rules. It is. It's about those nuances, the unwritten rules, the subtle factors that can influence the outcome. It's like having that insider knowledge, that sixth sense. Exactly. A master coach who understands the competitive environment might know which judges prefer certain physiques, how the lighting affects presentations, even how the order of competitors can sway the judge's opinions. Wow. It's like a whole other layer of strategy. It is. And that knowledge can make all the difference. So it's not just about training hard. It's about training smart, training strategically. Precisely. But remember, understanding the competitive environment isn't just about winning. Right.
00:36:47
It's about winning the right way. Exactly. It's about fostering that healthy, ethical approach. A master coach sets a positive example, embodies those values of integrity, sportsmanship, respect for the human body. It's about the athlete's well-being, their character development, not just the trophy. It's about building champions both on and off the stage. Beautifully said. Well, I don't know about you, but I feel like I've just earned an honorary Ph. D. in coaching. Me too. We've covered so much ground. It's amazing how much depth there is to this field. From understanding the psychology of motivation to mastering those intricate technical skills, to navigating the complexities of the competitive environment, it's truly a holistic pursuit. It is. And remember, becoming a master coach is a journey, not a destination. Keep learning, keep growing, keep pushing those boundaries. And to all you aspiring coaches out there, remember, the journey starts with a single step. So keep that passion alive. Keep those dreams burning bright. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one sharing your wisdom on this very show. That's the dream. Until next time, keep those brains engaged, those bodies moving and those coaching dreams alive.
