THE POWER OF STRONG
CUEING FOR PTS
Athletic performance coach Nick Winkelman looks at how you can use strong cueing to help personal training clients perform exercises with better technique .
T he following excerpt from The
Language of Coaching by Nick
Winkelman ( Human Kinetics , 2021 ) provides an example of how to assist personal training clients in the execution of their prescribed exercises through the use of strong cueing .
The Language of Coaching focuses on the impact that communication has on an individual ’ s ability to learn a movement . It examines how instruction , feedback and cueing can significantly affect training outcomes . Grounded in motor learning and the science of attentional focus , the book seeks to provide practical coaching frameworks that are adaptable and evidence based , helping you grow as a communicator and learn how to coach the person , not just the program .
Here , we look at how the technique can be employed with the horizontal two-arm dumbbell bench press .
Setup language
SIT : “ After selecting the appropriate weight , using a spotter for safety , sit on the edge of the bench , and grip the dumbbells so they rest atop each thigh in a vertical position .”
ROCK : “ Sitting tall and ensuring a strong grip , bring the dumbbells to the start position by slowly rocking back and simultaneously using your thighs to push the dumbbells into place — left . . . right ; one . . . two .”
FLATTEN : “ With the dumbbells now above your shoulders , flatten and lengthen your body by pressing your low back into the bench .”
TENSE : “ With your knees slightly flared out , creating a Y shape with your body , place your heels just under your knees and press down into the ground .”
Execution language
POSTURE : “ As you push into the ground , you ’ ll feel the urge to arch your back . Collect that tension in your trunk , staying stiff as if you were about to take a punch .”
LOWER ( INHALE ): “ Keeping the dumbbells level , slowly pull them down and apart as if they were connected by a light bungee cord . Allow the dumbbells to settle at a comfortable depth so they ’ re aligned with the middle of your chest .”
LIFT ( EXHALE ): “ Maintain tension and push the dumbbells toward the ceiling .”
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