So What Has Changed?

This article is authored by Doug Scott. Opinions expressed may not be that of SMARTER Team Training, STT sponsors or constituents. Coach Scott has been a member of the Pingry faculty since 1999 and has served as a Physical Education teacher and Strength and Conditioning coach since that time. Doug designs workouts for both male and female student athletes competing on a variety of Varsity and Junior Varsity athletic teams, including many county, state, and conference championship teams. Listen to Doug’s podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

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Well, it’s a new year and statements like: “this year I will get in shape” are not uncommon. So I ask you, what has changed? What makes this year any different from last? I apologize if I sound a bit sour or not supportive of your efforts to improve your fitness, but having been a fitness professional for a number of years, I have seen my fair share of resolutions fall by the wayside. In fact, 80% of New Year’s resolutions (related to exercise) fail within the first month. Hopefully I can catch you in time so you are not amongst the lost souls who quit before they even get started. In talking with people and observing their actions in the fitness center, I have learned that many programs fail because people can’t answer this simple question: “Do you wish you were stronger and more fit; or do you want to be?” You see, to wish for something means you are waiting for something to happen almost magically. To want something means taking action, having a plan, and implementing that plan. So I ask you, do you wish to be more fit or do you want to be and, how bad do you want it? To put it bluntly, if you want to improve; something needs to change. You may have to make sacrifices, change your schedule, or reevaluate your priorities, but above all, you need to take action. Everyone has 24 hours in a day; successful people have the discipline and sense of commitment to manage those hours effectively. So whether you decide to run after dinner instead of watching TV, skip chatting on Facebook to do pushups, situps and pullups, or pass on the fries and eat a baked potato instead; something needs to change or we’ll be having this same talk again next year.

Doug Scott believes that strength training is a “means to and end” and should be a part of every athlete’s lifestyle; and it’s the coaches job to facilitate learning and put the athlete in the best position to get the most out of themselves and ultimately succeed. Mr. Scott has also worked as a personal trainer and has written a number of fitness-related articles and chapters. Coach Scott is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and hold the title of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. You can contact him at dscott@pingry.org.