Coach Rob is back and he is sharing his experiences of how to participate in group training. Whether you are participating in a clinic, boot camp, training camp or group instructor lead training there is quite a bit to know to make it an effective worthwhile experience.
On today’s endurance QuickCast were going to talk about what it means to train in a group whether you are a cyclist, a runner, coach, or a group fitness instructor there’s a lot to be learned about group instruction and how to participate effectively.
As usual, I have some notes to share before we jump into the show.
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This show came about due to several conversations I have had in recent weeks with athletes I coach and group rides I have participated in that contained some sort of group structure. I will likely revisit this topic in future shows but it dawned on me that I haven’t covered this topic much outside of shows on training camps.
If you participate in any sort of group training with me I start with 3 tenants. The 3 simple tenants that I have when considering participation or directing any sort of group training is:
* Communications
* Safety
* Listening
Clear communications
Clearly explain the workout and expectations on the execution of the workout
Clearly explain how verbal and nonverbal communications will occur from me the coach and you the athlete
Clearly, communicate why this workout was chosen and what it will do for the athlete
Safety first
Safety is at the forefront of all training whether training in a group or solo
Do not continue to train if dizzy or you feel that you are training way beyond your limits
Do not put yourself in unnecessary harms way AKA: Become risk adverse
Listen, listen, listen
Athletes need to take the cotton out of their ears and stuff it in their mouths when the coach is speaking to a group of athletes
Coaches need to take pause and listen to the athletes
When in doubt ask now not when it’s too late
Types of group training
There many types of group training but typically they have some sort of participation constraints. Such as athlete and coach ability levels, facility constraints and pricing. I also see that in the endurance space that most group training comes about as a 1-3 day clinics, boot camps that typically last 1-5 days, or training camps that might last a few days to a few weeks. There are of course exceptions such a running clubs that work with athletes to prepare them through an off-season for an early season race series and of course Cycling Studios that work all winter to raise the FTP of their cyclists.
However I think that many athletes look at group training as going to something like a spin class, Zumba, Cross fit, or group circuit training lead by a personal trainer. However, you might be surprised that I would define a club run, club ride or even a large buddy run or ride as group training as well.
Typical models of group training
* Equipment-based
* Skill-based
* Outcome-based
Let’s cover some examples of these models next
I would also strongly consider the advantages and disadvantages of group training.
Advantages of group training
Breaks up the monotony of training alone
Can be cheaper than hiring a personal trainer or coach
Motivated not only by the trainer in charge but also by other participating athletes
More accountability
More variety
Faster gains in experience and education
Disadvantages of group training
You may work harder than you are ready for
You may not get much one-on-one attention and while energy system will improve skills may decline or not improve
Group training program may not addr
On today’s endurance QuickCast were going to talk about what it means to train in a group whether you are a cyclist, a runner, coach, or a group fitness instructor there’s a lot to be learned about group instruction and how to participate effectively.
As usual, I have some notes to share before we jump into the show.
Check out our deals page!
This show came about due to several conversations I have had in recent weeks with athletes I coach and group rides I have participated in that contained some sort of group structure. I will likely revisit this topic in future shows but it dawned on me that I haven’t covered this topic much outside of shows on training camps.
If you participate in any sort of group training with me I start with 3 tenants. The 3 simple tenants that I have when considering participation or directing any sort of group training is:
* Communications
* Safety
* Listening
Clear communications
Clearly explain the workout and expectations on the execution of the workout
Clearly explain how verbal and nonverbal communications will occur from me the coach and you the athlete
Clearly, communicate why this workout was chosen and what it will do for the athlete
Safety first
Safety is at the forefront of all training whether training in a group or solo
Do not continue to train if dizzy or you feel that you are training way beyond your limits
Do not put yourself in unnecessary harms way AKA: Become risk adverse
Listen, listen, listen
Athletes need to take the cotton out of their ears and stuff it in their mouths when the coach is speaking to a group of athletes
Coaches need to take pause and listen to the athletes
When in doubt ask now not when it’s too late
Types of group training
There many types of group training but typically they have some sort of participation constraints. Such as athlete and coach ability levels, facility constraints and pricing. I also see that in the endurance space that most group training comes about as a 1-3 day clinics, boot camps that typically last 1-5 days, or training camps that might last a few days to a few weeks. There are of course exceptions such a running clubs that work with athletes to prepare them through an off-season for an early season race series and of course Cycling Studios that work all winter to raise the FTP of their cyclists.
However I think that many athletes look at group training as going to something like a spin class, Zumba, Cross fit, or group circuit training lead by a personal trainer. However, you might be surprised that I would define a club run, club ride or even a large buddy run or ride as group training as well.
Typical models of group training
* Equipment-based
* Skill-based
* Outcome-based
Let’s cover some examples of these models next
I would also strongly consider the advantages and disadvantages of group training.
Advantages of group training
Breaks up the monotony of training alone
Can be cheaper than hiring a personal trainer or coach
Motivated not only by the trainer in charge but also by other participating athletes
More accountability
More variety
Faster gains in experience and education
Disadvantages of group training
You may work harder than you are ready for
You may not get much one-on-one attention and while energy system will improve skills may decline or not improve
Group training program may not address your individual weaknesses
Overuse injuries and injuries from using poor form or more common in group training
So where does the “participating effectively” come in that I mentioned at the start of the show? Well if you are a coach, personal trainer or group fitness instructor you have already been trained to some extent if you are licensed or certified in your respective area of specialization. However, I think the tenants I mention should be the foundation for any group fitness program.
For the athletes that are listening to the show, I have one simple question. Why would you bother participating in ANY group training if you are not going to listen, be safe or follow rules and instructions? I more than most understand that everyone is different and that we all learn differently but if you have attention issues it’s critical that you slow down and listen and take in as much verbal an nonverbal information from those leading any type of group training. It’s also critical that if you didn’t understand what is being required of you that you speak up immediately. Your lack of understanding and attention may not just be a hassle to other participants but could also be a real hazard.
Let’s consider some examples. At a climbing camp, I am going to cover the rules of the road, the rule of pack riding, communications and pass along any sort of physical conditions to be concerned about. The physical concerns could include but are not limited to weather, road conditions, traffic conditions, rest periods, fueling periods, etc. In a clinic setting, I may do demonstrations on how to sprint, ride in a pack, handle certain obstacles while running and so on. In a training camp like the climbing camp, I will cover many of the same things but will add expected work parameters such as training zones, %FTP, time, distance, etc.
When it comes to training athletes in small settings I tackle specific energy systems. I will explain the training factors involved in the workout, the length of the workout, the desired effect the workout should give when executed properly. Then I communicate before we start the intervals, their length, and intensity. Once I begin the workout I will typically give notice as to which interval we are in an how soon before the next interval begins and what the target HR or power or percentage of FTP or Watts Per KG are required.
Notes to athletes participating in group training like the one I just mentioned. Going stronger than prescribed is never a good idea. It will separate you from the pack, it will frustrate the lead instructor to no end and create confusion among the other participants.
When intervals are 30 seconds are shorter they are often sprint or max effort/power related and there really is no reason to look down at your watch or bike computer. These efforts are often followed by longer rest periods where participants can catch their breath and regroup. Longer intervals in the 1-5 minute range are NOT SPRINTS they are measured efforts. In these scenarios, you are not going to sprint immediately but build up to the prescribed effort quickly. But not explosively. Longer sustained intervals lasting 8 minutes and longer are often evenly paced and will require great attention to performance data to maintain the prescribed intensities,
In all these cases it requires discipline on the athletes part to complete the prescription. If you are not going to do the workouts as prescribed you need to ask yourself why are you there in the first place. Social hour, time to show your teammates you are stronger than them, or maybe you can’t be bothered to follow instructions? In any of these cases, you are doing a great disservice to yourself and your fellow participants.