- 1). Play sports. Have a knowledge of athletics. Working with athletes, you will need to know how they think.
- 2). Earn an undergraduate and graduate degree in physical education. Learn as much as you can about anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, nutrition and exercise physiology. Read as much as you can about the field and attend strength and conditioning conferences.
- 3). Familiarize yourself with the techniques you are asking athletes to perform. You will gain a better appreciation of the exercises and be able to explain it better to athletes.
- 4). Learn how to work well with others. Enhance your interpersonal and communication skills. Develop motivational techniques to inspire athletes.
- 5). Gain experience. Volunteer in a weight room.
- 6). Obtain an internship in a strength and conditioning field. Since there are hundreds of colleges with athletic programs, apply for internships in a collegiate setting.
- 7). Gain certification. Earn certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist available through the National Strength and Conditioning Association or as a Certifed Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association.
- 8). Make sure you have a positive reference from a strength and conditioning professional. Ask the professional to help you obtain a graduate assistant coaching position.
- 9). Seek out employment as a strength and conditioning trainer. Start off small and apply for assistant strength and conditioning positions.
- 10
Maintain your relationships with professional contacts you have made along the way. You never know who may help you. It is not always about what you know, but who you know.
SHARE
