The Fun Factor

Top-6 Differences - Factor 5:

Here’s my preface to this particular factor…

When I say ‘fun’, I don’t mean you have to be silly or a clown.

And I also don’t mean that adults shouldn’t be encouraged to have fun or enjoy fitness, either.

But with adults, the ‘fun factor’ is a good idea…

With youths, it’s a must.

I will go on record as saying that the reason my facilities and programs are always 100% full and have retention rates that are high above the industry average, is based almost entirely on the fact that my young athletes and youth fitness participants enjoy the CRAP out of coming to see me and my staff.

And I completely ‘buck the trend’ in making it that way.

Most Trainers and Coaches, when working with more advanced high school aged athletes, fancy themselves as ‘Lombardi-type’ leaders whose job it is to ‘make’ the young athletes in front of them the very best they can be.

They use the ‘latest’ in sport science when designing training programs…

Have a ‘make ‘em sweat ’till they drop’ mentality…

And believe that they are some how responsible for the advancements and improvements that their young athletes are experiencing.

I don’t see it that way.

I get to know my young athletes well.

I learn to understand what works for them from a motivation style and what they truly want out of their athletic careers and lives.

I enjoy cracking jokes with my athletes and having conversations with them about school, the dance they’re going to on the weekend or any stresses they are currently experiencing in their lives.

And that makes it fun for them.

They know I care above and beyond my desire to ‘increase their vertical by inches in 6 weeks’.

Now, before you start thinking that this ‘fun factor’ some how leads to undisciplined behavior, think again.

I have a 100% no talking policy during my training sessions - and it is adhered to 100% of the time.

I have no problem with lazy or unmotivated athletes - because we have a wonderful give and take relationship in that they know what I expect from them and I know what they need from me.

In fact, my training sessions are among the most discipline, organized and efficient you will ever see.

And that’s because I spend time outside the training arena to get to know these kids.

They see that.

There parents see that.

And the program is better because of that.

The ‘Fun Factor’ is at the cornerstone of my training philosophy…

… And it has NOTHING to do with being silly!