Selecting the right Athletic Performance Training for your child?

How do you select the Sports Performance Training for your child?

Start talking with anyone about Athletic Performance Training and it is likely many different opinions will be heard. Even at the highest level of professional sports, philosophy and techniques differ. With so many opinions how are you suppose to find out what is correct for your child? To help make this decision easier, here is a quick guide of what to look for.

Look for Credentials

Simply having letters behind your name does not make you a good trainer, but the best trainers have a passion for improving their own knowledge. Due to this passion they will seek continuing education and have certifications to prove it. Continuing education is extremely important as the field of strength and conditioning is rapidly developing, information learned as little as 10 years ago may no longer apply. Do not take advice from someone who is not on the cutting edge of their field. And remember, not all certifications are not created equal.

Ask to Watch an Athletic Performance Training Session

Environments between facilities can be drastically different. Picture loud music, heavy weights, and an instructor yelling at the top of their lungs vs. upbeat music, smiling faces, and a bubbly encouraging instructor . One situation is not inherently good while the other is not bad, but they are certainly for different people.

Talk with your child about goals they have, talk sensibly about what type of environment they would be comfortable in. Remember, age, sport, and ability level should all go into the decision of what environment is best for your athlete. Many facilities may even allow a trial session before fully committing to a program.

Determine Cost

Training cost can be all across the board. Large groups of athletes are often trained together for as little as a few dollars per person. On the other hand personalized one-on-one training can cost upwards of $100 per hour. Experience level will also largely influence the cost of a session. Trainers just getting into the field will often charge much less than an experienced co-worker. So, the tough question becomes how much are you willing to spend?

Think through what the benefits of an individualized program with personalized attention may be for your athlete. Or would they better be suited in a group of their peers, feeding off the energy and motivation of others? Will they benefit from and experienced trainer? Usually the answer to all these questions falls somewhere in the middle. Remember consistency of any training is key, so be careful not to commit financially to something that is not sustainable.

We’ve worked with athletes at all levels from junior high to college to professional. Contact derek@imovedaily.com to learn more Athletic Performance Training at i’move.