In this specialist tutor profile series we caught up with lead YSCA Coach and Assesor for our Level 4 Course – Ryan Blake! Read our blog below as he answers some of our questions:
Introduction
Can you briefly describe your current role at Strength and Conditioning Education?
– Tutor and assessor for L4 award
– YSCA lead coach
What led you into the strength and conditioning industry?
A love for sport and the failure of trying to become a professional athlete.
What qualifications and certifications do you hold?
– Inside Performance Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Sport Practitioner
– The Conscious Life Collective Leadership Program Graduate
– Advanced Sports & Emergency First Aid Qualified
– Strength & Conditioning Education (SCE) Coach Certificate – Level 4
– Youth Strength & Conditioning Association (YSCA) Coach Certificate
– National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) – Accredited Coach
– United Kingdom Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA) – Accredited Coach
Can you share a bit about your career journey so far — where did you start, and how did you get to where you are now?
I started out my career as a marketing representative for a leading sports brand. I now run a sports performance consultancy for extreme sports athletes & a performance coaching company for sport leaders.
What other roles have you had outside of your work with Strength and Conditioning Education?
– As a personal trainer
– Head of sport science for a international high performance academy
– A lead strength and conditioning coach in pro team sport
– A strength and conditioning consultant in pro individual sport
– A head of sport science for a private senior school
– A performance consultant for a national sports governing body
Approach to Coaching and Education
How would you describe your coaching philosophy or teaching style?
– Relaxed but informative
– Light-hearted but professional
– Old school foundation with new school application
What do you enjoy most about delivering practical workshops?
Empowering students to overcome real challenges & solve problems
How do you tailor your support to suit students with different learning styles or backgrounds?
By having as many conversations with them as possible to identify their personality type, then catering an individualised solutions.
What common challenges do you see students face — and how do you help them overcome these?
Rushing to learn and do everything at once. Small, quality, consistent progressions overtime make coaches great. It’s ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
Industry Insights
What trends or changes have you noticed in the strength and conditioning field in recent years?
– There is no substitute for doing the work
– The waste time (and money) collecting data if you don’t need it
– You can never ask too many questions
Are there any myths or misconceptions in the industry that you’d like to set straight?
Read the first module of the YSCA coach award!
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in strength and conditioning?
You are still in the people business. You have to be able to communicate effectively before you can coach effectively. Practice developing your emotional intelligence daily.
Continuing Development and Personal Practice
How do you stay current with developments in strength and conditioning practice or sports science?
– Listening to multiple podcasts in the car
– Reading journal research reviews
– Creating my own infographics
What are your go-to resources for professional growth?
– Networking with other coaches
– Occasionally attending CPD events
– Reflective practice
– Self-awareness
Are there any particular athletes, coaches, or mentors who’ve influenced your approach?
– Gill Stevenson
– Clive Brewer
– Mike Walker
– Ben Haining
– Steve Green
– John Black
– Stuart Barnes
– Graham Ford
– Nigel Briers
Highlights and Impact
Can you share a memorable success story from your work — either with a client, team, or student?
Being a part of one athlete’s journey from junior at academy level to top 100 in the world at pro level
What’s been your proudest moment as a coach or educator so far?
Contributing to an athletes Olympic medal winning journey when nobody expected them to even qualify.
How do you measure your impact on students or athletes?
– Understanding
– Confidence
– Application
Personal Side
What do you enjoy doing outside of coaching and teaching?
– Spending time with family & friends
– Cooking
– Travelling
– Surfing
– Golf
– Music
If you weren’t working in strength and conditioning, what do you think you’d be doing?
Athlete, musician or chef
Favourite lift, workout, or recovery method?
– Single-leg hang snatch!
– Cold ocean body surfing
What motivates you to keep doing what you do every day?
Being true to my purpose, values, behaviours & habits
