New acquaintance: "So Brendyn, what do you do?"

Me: "I'm a fitness coach for a hockey team".

New acquaintance: "Oh. So you must be pretty fit then?"

That happens quite a bit. Now, I have quite an unusual job and having been in the cocoon that is S&C for the past 20 years, I know I don't appreciate what it is like for a more “normal office-style" occupation to know what S&C really is. But there's an expectation that because I train people, I'm joining in all the time. Maybe I look "fit" - and that's flattering - but I certainly can't keep up with these athletes who are trying to be the best hockey players in the world. I'm not paid to train with them, I'm trying to help coach them, educate, observe, nurture and encourage.

Sure, there are times when I do jump in for a rep or two if timing running over some distance, or it’s only one player in a catch-up session (the trick is to let them do a lot of reps and fatigue first so I don’t appear too bad). I flounder and fall off the pace - these are international athletes I’m working with - but I am not trying to beat them or show off. I am trying to show support. I think they actually like seeing me work hard. It's nowhere near their level, but I think the players like to see me busting my gut from time to time (I’m pretty sure they like seeing me gasping for air for a change too!).

I've jumped in on some reps of rehab to help keep company (rehab can be a long hard, lonely slog). Or done a few chin-up or deadlift sets during rest times in one-on-one gym sessions where appropriate. But generally, my training is away from the players. When it is their training, I'm working.

Whilst I don't believe it is important to be able to be at the level they are at, I do believe it is important that S&C coaches demonstrate acceptable standards of physicality. Do you eat well? Get enough sleep? Train enough (or at all)?

I am the first to put my hand up about my lack of training or sleep. I’d love to train more and get a few more sleep-ins. There are undeniable physical and mental benefits of exercise and sleep. Sometimes I’m lovingly told to get out of the house and “go for a run”. I always come back from a run mentally clearer. Unfortunately, I go through hard phases of team training, where things are out of balance and I am actually the last person in the program to do anything active. I may not be as consistent as I should be – certainly not as I want my athletes to be – but that can be the nature of S&C. You do what needs to be done. Problem is, there is always more to be done.

I’m starting my 2020 year on a clean slate and will take better care of myself. This is not a New Years resolution, just an opportunity to reflect personally on my program last year and what challenges the 2020 routine may hold. If I can look after myself, I will be in a better place to serve others around me. Even 15-20 minutes of bodyweight exercises at the start of the day, is better than another day of neglect. I would encourage you, before going too far down the lack of sleep and exercise path, try to make time for yourself.

"So you must be pretty fit then?"