On Saturday 11th December, 9 Swinford GAA coaches engaged in a 8 hour intensive TRX functional training course at the Castlebar HealthQuarters Gym.
The primary goal of the TRX Functional training is to provide coaches with the knowledge on how to train athletes to move better using a range of movement-based circuit training exercises. The circuits consist of TRX Suspension ropes and Rip trainer, sandbags, weighted ropes, kettlebells and medicine balls and the course outlines how to create a circuit to focus on specific push, pull, rotate, hinge, lunge and squat movement exercises.
One of the key takeaways from the one day course was how to identify good technique and form when performing these exercises, tips on how to correct form and the benefits of maintaining good form.
The course instructors were Darren Dillon (Founder) and Garth Francis (Personal Trainer) of Kickstart Fitness. The Swinford GAA coaches that completed the course were Brian Galvin, Vinny Gavin, Pat O’Neill, Noel Barry, Mick Murtagh, John Dunne, Aiden McLoughlin, Liam Moran and Eoin Gallagher.
The club consider this a worthy investment in coaching so that players of all ages, from underage to senior level at the club, can benefit from best practices in strength and conditioning training going forward. With the correct movement and conditioning, performance levels improve and more importantly, injuries are prevented which benefits everyone involved with Swinford GAA.