<p class="p1"><span class="s1">While I was waltzing around Blackpool, the awesome Chris Kitson was at Brendan Chaplin's event. Here is his report of his experience...(SO wish I could have been there!)........</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">What a whirlwind weekend at the very first Strength &amp; Success Summit! An amazing event that was filled to the brim with education on training, nutrition, and movement by some of the best guys in the industry.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I was lucky enough to be in that line up of speakers and OH. MY. GOD. I loved it! The weekend was host to some of the most motivated and switched on Strength &amp; Conditioning Coaches and Personal Trainers in the country. A buzzing atmosphere from the start. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The event kicked off with some witty remarks from Mark Laws taking a pop at each presenter as he gave the audience a run down on each presenter and what to expect from their sessions. Of course I had a lovely picture of a lady in a leotard doing some crazy gymnastic style movement as my background.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Next up the main man Brendan Chaplin, one of the top UK Strength &amp; Conditioning Coaches. Brendan ran us through some top business tips that helped him to reach where he is now. Hitting the audience with some solid principles to build upon with their own business. His 7 killer questions were very revealing and I'd tell you them, but I'd have to kill you...</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Once I'd been inspired by Brendan, it was my turn to take the lead and introduce my group to the world of intrinsic biomechanics. We explored what this consists of, and also how it could fit in to their current practice right now. We got physical and started looking at how different sections of the body were affecting each other, as well as explaining how the skeletal, myofascial, and nervous systems were very much interrelated. Some common injuries that commonly prop up were mentioned with no answers given, but simply a thought process as to what might potentially contribute towards them. I'm never one to give a straight answer if I know I have people in front of me that can figure things out by themselves. The session was greatly received and I had a blast presenting it to a talented group.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">There was plenty of time for networking in the break times and there were some great new partnerships formed. Our first break led us on to the next key note speak, Karl Tanswell. This guy scared half of the room simply by walking in to it. He's a renowned fighting coach who has worked with many of the greats including Connor McGregor. Karl took us through a step by step process of how he deals with his fighters and how he focusses on the basics. Weakness get worked on and drilled until they become strengths. I can only imagine trying to disagree! An excellent session with lots of solid principles in there. A great guy to chat to as well!</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Everyone's favourite part of the day now which is lunch time. The hotel supplied a sterling buffet lunch which was plentiful and very good quality food (you know that's important). </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">After everyone had filled their stomachs, it was time for a lesson in business from the one and only Russell Jolley. I remember nearly crying with laughter for most of his presentation whilst picking up some solid business tips too. Well known for the blue air when he enters the room, there was a tally running on the table in front of my counting up the swearing content, to which I believe over 120 swear words were counted over the 60min presentation. Now that's some going! It wasn't all about the language however, Russell covered important topics including; knowing your avatar, common programmes to use, how to market on social media sites, as well as how to build trust and a community within your business. Top stuff.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Brendan Chaplin was up again after Russell to give us some key information on the new level 4 Strength &amp; Conditioning course being launched through Strength &amp; Conditioning information. This is NOT to be missed. The content simply looks awesome. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">On to session 2 for me of the day, looking at the same intro to intrinsic biomechanics with another amazing set of S&amp;C coaches, Personal Trainers, and therapists. The nerves had calmed by this point and again I had a blast. We had some wow-ed faces as we demo-ed some basic skills on one of the participants. A leg length discrepancy and shoulder issue that could be adapted with 1 simple pelvic exercise. Easy when you know how! </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Presenting at the same time as myself on both session (and I'm gutted as their content sounded great) was Steven Gordon the Kettlebell master, and also Simon Herbert from Body Type Nutrition. Ste covered the Turkish get up and kettlebell swing, whilst Simon covered Explosive Sports Nutrition. From what I hear they were great!</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The end of day one drew in with some group photos of all the participants and presenters and there was a real sense of community, shared learning, and mutual respect. Not an ego in sight. That to me is priceless. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">After surprise 30th birthday party on the Saturday night I was a little worse for wear Sunday morning but had to make it in to see some more knowledge bombs. On arrival it seemed I wasn't alone either, which made me feel slightly better.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Day 2 kicked off with a solid presentation from Brendan Chaplin on his principles for training and programming. The content was gold dust. Brendan took us through his thought process and gave some examples of clients that he works with including videos of exercises showing development of reactions as well as some more specific goal-driven exercises. The notepad was out and all ears were wide open in this seminar for sure. Just a reminder that the nice guy that we'd been chatting with over the weekend was in fact one of the UK's top S&amp;C coaches and VERY good at what he does. His athletes are testament to that.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The breakout sessions day 2 included the one and only Ben Coomber covering how to optimise recovery for our athletes/clients. This was a very up close and personal talk in a room where we were free to ask questions and talk things through which was great. Ben covered the basics of optimising recovery, and threw in some interesting bits of research for us to look up too. Plenty of suggestions on what we can do to optimise all aspects of recovery, not simply nutrition alone. A solid talk with no questions left at the end. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">At the same time we had Darren Stratton delivering a practical session on mobility, where I'm told the ankle and low back were the main focusses. I missed this however due to being in on Ben's talk. All participants reported great things from Darren's session however.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Also in the break out sessions was Mark Laws demonstrating some great body weight conditioning exercises that people can try out with their clients. Again, unfortunately I missed this due to being in Ben's session, but the feedback was great from the participants. I know Mark has launched a body weight training workshop that is touring the UK currently, so if you see it don't hesitate to jump on that.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The second key note speaker was James Vincent who was there to speak about mindset and how it can be used to drive your business forwards. James has worked with many top businesses and coaches CEOs on a daily basis. He talked us through potential and performance and how to bridge the gap. Identifying myself as a 'workhorse' during the talk aids me in moving forwards with my own business and plans for the future. James presented us with an update on setting SMART goals with 3 simple steps:</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Think big</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Act Small</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Move Quick</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">This hit home for me and inspired me to re-think some of my current systems and processes in my business. Just 3 simple phrases can change everything. A fantastic talk from James.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Unfortunately at this point I had to leave due to family commitments but I would just like to say that I've never been to an event with such a great atmosphere (apart from TMC of course!) and filled with so many talented individuals. I feel absolutely honoured to be a part of the speaker list and hope to be back again in the future.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">If you're thinking of going to the next event, then I can't recommend it enough. Seriously. For the price point, the level of content along with networking and lunch etc is insane! I would recommend any of the line up's courses after speaking with them. These guys have some serious experience and knowledge that will help you take the next step forwards in your career, whichever path you may choose.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Chris Kitson, Biomechanics Coach™, Master Trainer</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Want to do one of Chris's workshops?</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Biomechanics Trainer™ 2 day workshop JUNE 4th/5th</span></p>
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