While a triathlon-coaching career alone can be highly rewarding, you can find even more success by finding your niche and standing out from the competition. Consider honing in on a speciality, such as an injury-prevention specialist, so you can take your clients from beginning to end and help them prevent injuries in the process. Next, define your objectives for acquiring education and launching your career as a triathlon injury-prevention specialist.
Some examples could include:
- Gain the proper training for triathlon cycling, swimming and running
- Discover why lower-back muscles can be the source of triathlete ailments ranging from sciatica to hip pain or burning pain in lower extremities
- Discover the answer on why orthotics can enhance performance and efficiency
- Learn how proper exercise can help prevent injury
Four tips for growing your career as a triathlon injury prevention specialist
1. Find a place to acquire the necessary education and certification
Once you have dialed down your speciality, it’s time to get certified. There are dozens of in-depth certification programs and continuing-education courses available in-person and at your fingertips online. Look into associations that have an established certification process that is recognized and respected among the health and fitness community. When you’re reviewing your options, including the course content and requirements, make sure you enroll in a program that complements your schedule and learning style.
2. Gain an understanding of your customer: the triathlete
When you have an understanding of your potential clients and the type of training they need, you will ultimately have a better understanding of how to market yourself in the initial consultation. According to the Triathlon Coaching Guide: “You need to be prepared to give customized advice to the athletes you coach. If you write a good training plan, for example, for an Ironman, don’t re-write the plan for every athlete you coach. Instead, use the plan skeleton, then customize it for each athlete, and be available to your athletes for more specific advice.”
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3. Market yourself
When developing your resume, there are several components you want to consider and shouldn’t miss. If you’re in the early stages and haven’t had much experience in the industry, think about your previous places of employment. Once it comes time to distribute your resume, it’s important to do it face-to-face so you can introduce yourself personally at local gyms, clinics, hospitals and other possible places of employment. In addition, consider building a Web presence—one of the best ways to establish yourself and sell yourself to a wide audience. With free social-media platforms, you have virtually no limits when it comes to turning your expertise into a post.
Ultimately, a successful injury-prevention specialist will have a better selling point once he or she is actually training a client. However, just like any other profession, preparing a resume that highlights your objective, experience and education is essential to landing a respected job.
4. Never stop growing
In order to be successful in any career you must be willing to give it your all, build your skills and boost your credibility. And remember, your education never stops at your certification because the industry is always evolving and new trends are always surfacing. In order to be successful, you must be at the forefront of the market to stay informed and knowledgable for your clients.
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