Seminar Overview

So, one day in and I've already managed to miss out on a post. However, in my defense, I was out of town at a conference with zero time and no internet access. It could be said that if I really wanted to, I could have gotten it done - but I didn't, so there. In any event, I figured the conference would make for a good blog topic. 
It was the NSCA North Central Region Conference in Minneapolis (well, technically Bloomington, but close enough). Overall, it was pretty good. There were a few presentations and presenters I wasn't a big fan of, but for the most part, I learned more than a few things I could take away and use - so that's a win in my book. Listening to Mike Stone talk was outstanding. He presents a lot of references - and I'm generally not one for those who base most of their case on research (as often, the subjects used and study design present so many issues as to render it useless to infer from), but he presented many good points with solid studies to back them. It's clear he has spent a great many years studying this stuff. Likewise, Cal Dietz was great to listen to as well. He goes a mile a minute, and tends to jump around a bit - and yet still gets his points across very well. Again, it's very clear the guy is passionate about what he does, and has spent a TON of time learning his craft. I also got to listen to a presentation by my old strength coach, Jed Smith. Jed is an awesome speaker, and it was over a topic I hadn't heard him speak on before, so that was great, too.
Probably the one other thing that struck me (and has struck me at other conferences) is how out of shape some coaches are, and how poorly some of them move! This was the 2nd conference I've been to with a "practical" session - that is, some of the presenters actually take you through some of the things they presented about, in an effort to learn by doing. It is amazing to me how many of the coaches struggle with even basic movements. It quickly becomes apparent who were athletes, or at the very least train like one, and who simply has "show muscles" (or spends too much time reading and not enough time applying).
I'll have a post probably in the next week or so going a bit more in-depth about some of the issues I had, not even specifically with this conference, but the state of the industry in general. In any event, I'll be back with something tomorrow - count on it!