On Saturday 4th December, the 98 team were finally able to spend some time together discussing all things performance, coaching and culture. It was a great opportunity for team members to chat with, and learn from OG’s Chris and Kevin and new kids on the block Dan and Luke Khoury.
The day started with a heartfelt welcome and introduction from Chris. The passion that Chris has for the 98 brand oozed out of him as he gave a historical account of 98’s beginnings and his thoughts on what the future holds.
98 prides itself on providing world-class, evidence-based strength and conditioning programs to its members.
Kevin and Dan’s presentation on the programming and periodisation of the Performance, Capacity and Hybrid training streams was a testament to this. Listening to these guys explain how they put the programs together was truly impressive. Years of theoretical and practical knowledge culminate in what we do on a daily basis in the gym or at home. Kevin finished the morning with a hint to what is coming in the new year, coaching a breakout strength session where advanced exercises and finishers left coaches excited about the evolution of the training system.
After a quick break and some ‘model shots’, Sports Chiropractor, Exercise Physiologist and 98 member, Luke Khoury took the day to a whole new level of education, when he broke exercise down to a cellular level, so as to explain to the coaches, what actually happens to a members body when they follow the 98 program. It reinforced why it is important to follow RPE, Heart rate and percentage recommendations when training.
Olympic lifting has been a fantastic addition to the performance program. The opportunity to develop movement patterns that allow the expression of strength and power, has been met with great enthusiasm and excitement. Coach Franco took the coaches through the technical aspects of the snatch and the clean, to reinforce coaching cues that ensure members receive the best possible, and most consistent feedback on execution. Finally, some 98 bread and butter. Coaches participated in an FYF that tested physical and mental strength, programmed by Kate.
98 provides a world-class strength and conditioning program. Its standards and pursuit of excellence are second to none. There are no gimmicks. There is a promise though, that with a commitment to hard work and an uncompromising attitude to attack hard work, not only will you be better equipped to handle any physical task, you will be armed with a steely resolve that will see off any mental or emotional challenge that life serves up.
I left the framework day more invested than ever. Can’t wait for the next opportunity to spend time with this amazing crew.
Train hard. Train smart.
Travis
