Teachers and Learners
One of the ways both of these coaches foster the faith of their athletes is through their constant learning. Binetti and Sauvestre have recognized that their knowledge is important to the athletes they coach, because the athletes in turn benefit. Each coach has had their own mentors, naming individuals like Scott Abel and Charles Poliquin. Each continues to add to their knowledge of training and nutrition, and each agrees that it is the application of that knowledge with each athlete that is of importance. Likewise, their coaching experience has broadened and developed with each individual as they learned to adapt their knowledge, athlete by athlete.“If you want to be a good coach, you must keep learning. You will continue to gain experience and be better over time.” says Sauvestre.
“Continually applying what you know is the key to coaching success.” Binetti states.
“I have an ability to motivate my athletes. I am a tough trainer and I
say it like it is.”
- Physique Coach Laura Binetti
(Photo By: Kaleem Maxwell) The Right Coach For You
The truth is that anyone can compete. Anyone can train with weights, apply nutrition and cardiovascular conditioning, get a tan, put on a competition suit, and walk onstage in a set of flashy heels. The reality is that without the guidance of a coach few physique athletes will train appropriately, diet strategically, master the art of posing, and finally present a competition physique that exemplifies their best. The right physique coach for you is out there. Now all you have to do is find them, and then say. Coach, just tell me what to do, and I'll do it!
Frances Manias is a four-time Canadian Bodybuilding Champion. In 2005, with the help of her coach, she placed sixth in the Women's Lightweight (<52 kg) class, in her sixth International Federation of Bodybuilding World Amateur Championships in Spain. Frances is also head coach and owner of her business, Physique Coach. You can contact her at: fmanias@sympatico.ca
Laura Binetti's Website (Body by Binetti): www.bodybybinetti.com
Marc Sauvestre's Website (Physic Gestion): www.physicgestion.com
Physique Coach Credentials
How do you know if a coach is qualified? Education, Experience, Reputation. The value you place on any or all of these credentials is relative to the importance you place on them.
Education
Degrees: A background in Physical Education, or Kinesiology is a start. A coach who has a graduate degree may not be any better educated than your everyday P.E. grad. Remember, it is not the acquisition of knowledge, but the application of that knowledge that counts.
Certifications and Memberships: These organizations include: the National
Strength and Conditioning Certification (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Certified Professional Trainers Network (CPTN). The CPTN is the only Canadian Personal Training Certification that requires both
written and practical exams. Check them out at CoachExport.com, but note that all courses are only offered onsite in either Montreal or Quebec City.
Internships: Has the coach been involved in any formal or informal internship or mentorship program? Popular programs within North America include interning with master trainers Charles Poliquin, Paul Check, or Mark Verstegen. Canadian Coach Marc Sauvestre currently offers internships with his PhysicGestion team in Quebec City, as well as a mentorship program.
Leadership and Presentation: Writing, Speaking, Moderating an online forum, Teaching in Post Secondary institutions, Presenting in industry conferences. These are all examples of how great coaches add to their knowledge and share their knowledge.
Experience
Look at the following three areas of experience: personal, professional and the successes.
Personal: Does the coach have experience as a physique athlete? What did they look like; what did they achieve? Was the coach coached by someone else?
Professional: Who is the coach currently working with? What athletes are on the coach's team Does the coach have experience with athletes in your discipline, or of your gender?
Successes: What are some of the athlete's accomplishments and experiences under the guidance of the coach?
Reputation
Is a coach's character, ethics, integrity and/or ability to communicate important to you? A coach's reputation may be defined by those characteristics, or you may choose to define it differently. The bottom line is to find out as much as you can, and as much as is important to you in your research process.
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