Finding a coach/trainer who understands medical issues can...no...is very tough. But I have had to do it, and many others who continue in the sport have done it. Now finding a coach is the same thing as finding a trainer.
Step 1: Determine what your goals are. Do you want to compete at competitions? Lose ten pounds? Get healthy? Have more flexibility?
--My goal for the 2015 season is: I want to lose ten pounds. I want to start doubles on the ice (I had to take 4 years off of jumping), I want to compete in minimum 2 competitions and for tests, I want to pass my Gold Interpretive, Senior Bronze Dances and finish my coaching license. I originally had complete my Junior Bronze Freestyle but I have already done that.
Step 2: Do not settle on the first coach/trainer you speak too.
--Sometimes the first coach or trainer will be the right one. But how would you know? What I do...is I observe many before I start making decisions. I see how they act with the student they are working with. I see how people react around them in public. If they are on time. Do what they say etc.
After that I write them all down on a list and start interviews. Find out the schedules. Their goals, where they expect to be in a few years and how much they are willing to help. Usually at that point you can cut a couple off the list.
For Figure Skaters...which works in any sport, you do tryouts. I try out the remainder of the coaches in lets say....3 lessons and then make the decision.
Sometimes it takes less time in knowing, sometimes a little more. I am one who hates changes and when I have to make them I get uncomfortable. It takes a lot of learning but if you are motivated and want to reach your goals you have to do it. As they say, "Do what you have to do, to get where you have to go."
Step 3: Be very open about all the issues you are going through.
-For me this was the hardest one. I was embarrassed talking about being in so much pain. I was embarrassed with the stomach pain that kept me in bed for days. It was not something I felt comfortable with. Especially with a male coach, I thought with a female coach I would be more comfortable. I work with 2 female coaches (time to time) and 1 male coach (regularly) and they all know I have problems. My male coach is very supportive and understanding and works with me to help my health first and goals second.
Even if you want to achieve goals. If you do it not healthy, you will not get very far. You may succeed in the goals and then be worse or you might not get your goals because you physically cant.
I have only worked with him for nine months. I am still learning but having someone beside me like this makes the learning more fun and you feel like you have some support.
When I had my old coach. I was not honest what I was going through. The coach probably thought I was lazy but in reality I was in a lot of pain and it was progressing at a rapid speed. The coach left me...which made me have to search for a new one but as I said I think I found the right one.
4) Finally Be Honest.
It is your health. Be honest. If you can only work out ten minutes one day don't kick yourself in the butt. Ten minutes is more then some people have done. The next day try 11 minutes. Later on I will post some training schedules that can help. I have tested a lot of them and for me they worked. Coaches/Trainers will and should be very understanding. They should know we try and we are not lazy. Some days we have good days and other days we have bad days.
Now don't over push yourself when you are in pain. It will cause further issues. Say "it is too much for me." "Can we try again tomorrow?" I have hid it but a good trainer can always tell when the athlete is in pain. Whether they slow down. Facial reactions. Body Language. Whatever it is the trainer should be aware for whatever the reason will be the athlete does not say anything!!
Finally Go Have Fun!! Try your best and After try and beat your best. It is up to you.
Step 1: Determine what your goals are. Do you want to compete at competitions? Lose ten pounds? Get healthy? Have more flexibility?
--My goal for the 2015 season is: I want to lose ten pounds. I want to start doubles on the ice (I had to take 4 years off of jumping), I want to compete in minimum 2 competitions and for tests, I want to pass my Gold Interpretive, Senior Bronze Dances and finish my coaching license. I originally had complete my Junior Bronze Freestyle but I have already done that.
Step 2: Do not settle on the first coach/trainer you speak too.
--Sometimes the first coach or trainer will be the right one. But how would you know? What I do...is I observe many before I start making decisions. I see how they act with the student they are working with. I see how people react around them in public. If they are on time. Do what they say etc.
After that I write them all down on a list and start interviews. Find out the schedules. Their goals, where they expect to be in a few years and how much they are willing to help. Usually at that point you can cut a couple off the list.
For Figure Skaters...which works in any sport, you do tryouts. I try out the remainder of the coaches in lets say....3 lessons and then make the decision.
Sometimes it takes less time in knowing, sometimes a little more. I am one who hates changes and when I have to make them I get uncomfortable. It takes a lot of learning but if you are motivated and want to reach your goals you have to do it. As they say, "Do what you have to do, to get where you have to go."
Step 3: Be very open about all the issues you are going through.
-For me this was the hardest one. I was embarrassed talking about being in so much pain. I was embarrassed with the stomach pain that kept me in bed for days. It was not something I felt comfortable with. Especially with a male coach, I thought with a female coach I would be more comfortable. I work with 2 female coaches (time to time) and 1 male coach (regularly) and they all know I have problems. My male coach is very supportive and understanding and works with me to help my health first and goals second.
Even if you want to achieve goals. If you do it not healthy, you will not get very far. You may succeed in the goals and then be worse or you might not get your goals because you physically cant.
I have only worked with him for nine months. I am still learning but having someone beside me like this makes the learning more fun and you feel like you have some support.
When I had my old coach. I was not honest what I was going through. The coach probably thought I was lazy but in reality I was in a lot of pain and it was progressing at a rapid speed. The coach left me...which made me have to search for a new one but as I said I think I found the right one.
4) Finally Be Honest.
It is your health. Be honest. If you can only work out ten minutes one day don't kick yourself in the butt. Ten minutes is more then some people have done. The next day try 11 minutes. Later on I will post some training schedules that can help. I have tested a lot of them and for me they worked. Coaches/Trainers will and should be very understanding. They should know we try and we are not lazy. Some days we have good days and other days we have bad days.
Now don't over push yourself when you are in pain. It will cause further issues. Say "it is too much for me." "Can we try again tomorrow?" I have hid it but a good trainer can always tell when the athlete is in pain. Whether they slow down. Facial reactions. Body Language. Whatever it is the trainer should be aware for whatever the reason will be the athlete does not say anything!!
Finally Go Have Fun!! Try your best and After try and beat your best. It is up to you.