Feel Like S***? Try This!

This week in the world of sports science, here’s what happened…

• How to recover from feeling like S.H.I.T.
• Advice for aspiring strength and conditioning coaches
• How to spot a bad job advert!

How to recover from feeling like S.H.I.T.

Dr. Peter Tierney, a renowned performance coach, has recently generated considerable engagement with his LinkedIn post introducing the S.H.I.T. Recovery Framework. This framework, humorously named, consists of four components: Stiff, Heavy, Irritable, and Tired, which together form the acronym S.H.I.T.

The S.H.I.T. Recovery Framework outlines specific recovery strategies and poses reflective questions tailored to each component. For instance, if an individual feels stiff, Tierney recommends strategies such as movement, massage, or contrast bathing. Similarly, if someone is experiencing irritability, yoga, and meditation, are among the suggested approaches. The framework also offers strategies for addressing feelings of heaviness and tiredness.

Tierney advises that if an individual feels with two components (e.g., stiff and heavy), it can be beneficial to combine recovery strategies from both components. If three components are felt, he suggests making training adjustments. Lastly, if all four components are felt, then you feel SHIT and reducing training is strongly advised!

The S.H.I.T. Recovery Framework, while humorous in nature, offers a level of simplicity that facilitates engagement and relatability for athletes. This framework effectively simplifies recovery (a topic that can often be complex), making it more accessible for athletes to comprehend. Consequently, if you are experiencing challenges in securing buy-in from your athletes regarding recovery monitoring and strategies, this framework may serve as an effective and engaging alternative worth considering.

Advice for aspiring strength and conditioning coaches

Last week, renowned strength and conditioning coach Ben Griffin shared valuable advice for aspiring S&C coaches on LinkedIn. If you’re looking to pursue a career in this field, it’s definitely worth checking out!

Unsurprisingly, Griffin’s first piece of advice is to enrol in an exercise science or S&C degree. However, he emphasises the importance of gaining coaching experience as early as possible, rather than waiting until after the completion of your studies. He recommends working at regular gyms and volunteering to write programs for local sports teams while you study. This early hands-on experience is invaluable for developing your coaching skills.

Griffin suggests training yourself rigorously and exploring various training methods and styles. He recommends hiring a coach to experience their training programs and then creating your own training programs to gain first-hand experience of how they feel. Additionally, Griffin advocates for investing in a mentor. He believes that this enhances your learning experience and helps you stand out from your peers who may not take such initiatives. Finally, Griffin emphasises the importance of networking. Building mutually beneficial relationships in the industry can lead to positive future opportunities and connections.

If you aspire to be a S&C coach, check out Griffin’s post and consider his advice if you want to stand out from the competition! If you want to know what a coach’s typical day is like, check out our blog A Day in the Life of an S&C Coach.

How to spot a bad job advert!

Recently, Kyle Cusson, CSCS, made a powerful statement on social media that sparked significant engagement. He underscores a critical point: you can spot a bad sports performance job advertisement in just three seconds. How? If the ad bombards you with an endless list of requirements but fails to mention ZERO financial compensation, then it’s a red flag! Organisations that are confident in their pay make it clear; those that aren’t will hide it.

In an industry where many S&C coaches and sports scientists are grinding through long, often unsociable hours for inadequate pay, Cusson’s message is not just relevant—it’s vital. While change has been slow, Cusson offers a straightforward solution. Ignore companies that play salary games, demand transparency upfront, and prioritise your time over their secrecy.

As Cusson powerfully states, if they “demand excellence, they better be proud enough to pay for it.” It’s imperative to check out Cusson’s post (here) and actively engage with it. By standing together and supporting those like Cusson who fearlessly challenge the poor pay conditions plaguing our industry, we can drive meaningful change and demand better for all. Thank you, Kyle Cusson CSCS, for taking a stand and advocating for the improvement our industry desperately needs!

If you would like to know the reality of being a S&C coach, our blog The Reality of the S&C Industry for Graduates – An Update is well worth checking out!

From us this week:

>> New course: Talent Identification
>> New podcast: Old-School Grit vs Modern Sports Science in Football
>> New infographic: How Long Does It Take To Recover After A Competitive Soccer Match
>> New article: Hydrotherapy

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