How do you measure performance?

[john.sifferman]

Hello,

I've been involved in a discussion that juxtaposes heavy resistance training with its applicability to performance enhancement. The conversation has gotten pretty complicated, so I am starting a new thread for a new question that arose out of that discussion in order to move on and simplify the discussion (just in case we got a little off track). Here is the link to the former discussion thread if you are interested; and please feel free to continue posting there:

http://www.rmaxinternational.com/for...ad.php?t=14213

So, my next question in this discussion is how would you measure performance enhancement? I understand that strength and power are attributes, and follow after health, mobility, and function in the CST value hierarchy as specified by Coach Sonnon in his article “What is CST Fitness?” I cannot think of any other accurate way to measure performance other than by tracking attributes in the training environment. What do you think?

Thank you in advance for your support!

-John

[Coach Tran]

You can track the health and well being of an athlete.

You can track his form.

You can track his skill (attritubes)?

You can track his mental toughness.

[rutherford]

You can also track performance in the specific field of endeavor. If one is a sprinter, then time would be one measurement. Explosiveness off the starting line would be another.

[JasonE]

So, my next question in this discussion is how would you measure performance enhancement? I understand that strength and power are attributes, and follow after health, mobility, and function in the CST value hierarchy as specified by Coach Sonnon in his article “What is CST Fitness?” I cannot think of any other accurate way to measure performance other than by tracking attributes in the training environment. What do you think?

Thank you in advance for your support!

-John

John -

A reasonable question! Conventional fitness measures generally address specific measurable attributes because quantitative data is easier to interpret than qualitative. The "slippery" aspect of qualitative data is that it is somewhat subjective in nature, hence the need for multiple judges at events like competitive gymnastics, ice skating, etc.

However, as Coach Tran said, health and wellbeing can be tracked. This includes levels of general and specific discomfort, energy levels and fluctuations, sleep patterns, stress level, ability to cope with stress, changes in medical conditions, illness (or lack thereof), bowel movements, etc.

Form during performance may be tracked. The 7 Key Components can be adapted for analysis of any athletic endeavor. Evaluation of form is standard for instructors/coaches of virtually all athletic sports regardless of the conceptual model they use.

Skill may be tracked as well. A martial artist with "perfect form" may (or may not) have sufficient skill to fight effectively. Qualitative (as well as quantitative) evaluation of an athlete's ability to effectively use his/her skills is also standard in all athletic endeavors.

Mental toughness may be tracked as well, though it's perhaps the most difficult. Experienced and insightful coaches evaluate the "mental stamina", "fortitude", "grit", "guts", or whatever of their athletes on an ongoing basis. For example, personal trainers may note changes in a client's attitude towards their training.

The simple CST approach of self-rating RPT, RPE, and RPD is a basic yet powerful method to help relate subjective impressions of performance in a quantitative fashion. This makes it easier for an athlete to train alone, or for a trainer to track how the client experiences the workload.

I must also mention Coach Fielding's idea of having clients provide a "Rating of Perceived Stress" (RPS) to help them differentiate between mental/emotional discomfort and physical discomfort during training. It seems well suited to the "Mental Toughness" question.

Hope that helps!

[Chuck Kechter]

Great amplification Jason!

[rutherford]

John, have you had a chance to look at the Performance Diagnostic Trinity and the 3D Performance Pyramid?

[john.sifferman]

Thanks everyone for your help!

Jason E.,

That was an awesome explanation that really shows me the CST side of measuring performance. As you can probably surmise, I have never really thought of measuring performance in such a comprehensive way before. Sure, I have tracked RPT and RPE, sleep levels, nutrition, energy levels, and definitely notice when one of my clients isn't enjoying their training program. I guess, in a way, most coaches and trainers take the easy way out and just use quantitative measures to judge performance. The dangerous part in this situation is that it can become an end to itself to simply increase the numbers in training, and they can forget the big picture of "why are we doing this?"

Is there a system that is available for study on this subject, or is it spread across the many products that are available in the store?

Jason B.,

I have looked at both and printed out the 3D pyramid. Again, I understand what each category represents and how they interact with each other. One level leads to the next and each level is necessary for the advancement to a higher level. But I do look at this and have no idea how I can use this to formulate a program. I'm so used to compartmentalizing my training that this drastically different approach is somewhat overwhelming. Do you understand?

Thanks for the help guys!

-John

[Scott Sonnon]

John,

To formulate a program, start by following along one of the stock examples. Once you've consistently experienced several cycles of CST in your personal practice, you'll be able to own what is merely explanation above. Someone at your level of fitness background would find 4x7 an optimal starting point. When you get to a CST Instructor Certification Seminar, you'll be equipped with the know-how on program design.

I look forward to training you at the next seminar!

[john.sifferman]

Coach Sonnon,

Don't take these typewritten words lightly when I say this. It is an honor, sir.

I appreciate you taking some time to offer me a little advice as I get started with CST. I have already started integrating WW into my routine; it has become my daily ritual for almost five months now. I'm looking into purchasing Intu-Flow® (as I've heard this is the basis for all CST). I will also be purchasing a pair of 15 pound clubbells, since I have read your book Clubbell® Training for Circular Strength and watched the Clubbell® DVD.

I don't know how soon I will be able to attend a seminar. I'm getting married in June, so I won't be able to travel all the way to the West Coast for probably no less than a year. If there are ever any seminars within a day's drive of Boston, I may be able to attend. Marriage changes everything, you know, and I certainly want to focus on my marriage for a while before I start taking trips to seminars and conferences again. Regardless, I am looking forward to meeting you and many other CST friends sometime in the future.

Thanks again for your guidance!

-John

[Scott Sonnon]

John,

The honor is mine to be able to share CST with you. CST will be in Philadelphia this November. Congratulations in advance on your wedding!