I was recently asked what's my motto for teaching pole and flexibility.
As I answered their question, I started to think it would be helpful to share some thoughts more broadly on what makes a good coach.
We are all different
We are all unique individuals with different anatomy, experiences, joys, and, dare I add, trauma. This background is carried all the way to how we move and our musculature. Before you close this post and rethink your Simply Sage subscription, please bear with me a little bit longer so I can explain.
Our muscles are quite useless without our brain that sends electrical signals through our spinal cord telling different spindles of muscle fibers to contract. Refining that neuron-muscular connection takes time, and eventually we develop a "muscle memory" of how our body is used to moving. If you are in your 30s you have spent more than three decades developing your own signaling system. If there is a type of movement you have not tried, your body will need time and practice to develop those connections.
Meanwhile, encasing our entire muscular and organ system is fascia (and sometimes scar tissue) holding us in place. This tissue webbing can lose elasticity when not moved. We basically train our fascia everyday for the type of movement we expose it to.
Moreover, we have various anatomical differences, whether it be Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (a connective tissue disorder), trauma from a prior car accident, an extra vertebra, scoliosis, c-section, medication, the list goes on. We are all different and that should be respected in a training environment.
Coaches Teach Movement
This is not to say that there is no such thing as "proper form" for certain movements or that some movement is not possible for certain bodies. It is more to say that your body is unique and you are the one living in it, not your coach. A good coach is there to help you understand your body even better. A coach should prepare you for movement that you do not have the same mastery of as your coach. A coach should recognize your strengths and weaknesses and listen when you say something feels off in your body. They should recognize that for your body "proper form" may look slightly different than on someone else's body. They should be able to explain why they want you to do something a certain way. Is it for safety, style, or strengthening?
In my opinion, the less anatomy awareness you have, the more important it is to train with someone who has a deeper understanding of the body (whether through experience, hobby, or research). They will help you understand your body better over time and make it less likely that you injure yourself when you might not have a good awareness of your own limits. When you have developed a stronger understanding of your body, you can take that knowledge with you to other coaches who are good at their craft and then develop their exercises in a safe way that suits you. (Or kindly and privately call them out on their BS).
Final Thoughts
Lastly, I think it is helpful if a coach is kind, caring, punctual, and willing to admit when they do not know something, or when they make a mistake. I think humility goes a long way. These are the traits that I value and strive to have and consistently improve upon.
Lastly, I think we are never done learning. A good coach is creative and explores new solutions and consistently reinforces their expertise.
Nonetheless, the best coach is really the one that works best for you.
So what did I say my motto for teaching is?
"I want to help people better understand their bodies and safely accomplish their goals, while developing strength, balance, and stability along all planes of the body."
That's all for now! What would you add that is important to have or know as a coach? As usual, always feel free to reach out to me with tips and suggestions on how my classes can improve!
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