Job Description and Salary of a Strength and Conditioning Coach

A strength and conditioning coach provides assistance for fitness maintenance. The SportsAspire article below will furnish details about the job description and salary of a strength and conditioning coach.

If you are a sports enthusiast, you may have often seen private trainers at matches. If a player is injured and needs temporary treatment, a personal coach comes down to the field to help him regain the use of his muscle. Or, if you are very health-conscious with regular visits to the gym, you may have seen trainers helping people perform the right exercise. These jobs are also performed by what are known as strength and conditioning coaches. They are trained in various physical exercises, sports, and other strength-related activities. They help people remain fit and healthy. The job description of a strength and conditioning coach is given in the paragraphs to follow.

• He has to develop a systematic training program for sportsmen, trainees, and other athletes.
• He has to help improve their stamina, speed, and strength. For this, it is essential that he chooses the right exercise for the right people.
• He has to analyze his clients first – consider their body strength, bone weight, bone density, height, weight, age, medical history, etc., and then formulate a fitness plan.
• He has to help athletes while doing the workout session – hold their legs, hips, head, etc., to help them gain mastery over the exercise until they are fit enough to do it without assistance.
• When it is the sports season, he has to help them undergo rigorous training everyday.
• After the matches are over, he has to help maintain their bodies – this is the off-season and is devoted to personality maintenance.
• He has to monitor different strength and conditioning schedules during sport programs.
• He has to help treat injuries. He needs to have some basic knowledge regarding emergency medical therapy for a sportsperson.
• He needs to treat chronic disabilities and in case of serious injuries, he has to refer them to doctors.
• He has to observe new participants and help them review and assess their skills.
• He has to enforce the set safety regulations.
• He has to actually demonstrate the exercise apart from plain instruction so that participants can understand the moves better.

• He needs to conduct different therapeutic and recreational activities.
• He has to advise people about exertion and stamina levels so that they do not overdo anything.
• He has to know all about diet and nutrition so that he can give the correct suggestions to participants regarding physical strength.
• He must know how to evaluate a person’s physical requirement.
• He needs to provide students with the right kind of fitness advice.
• He needs to help rehabilitate students who have lost touch with the sport.
• He needs to help students maintain a calm demeanor and develop mental strength.
• He may also help students support education through their sports.
• He needs to assist in purchasing the right equipment and other necessities.
• He may also help in hiring weight room staff.
• He must help promote health clubs and other health-related organizations.
• He must teach the right breathing techniques to regain control over senses.
• He needs to monitor the progress of the students and guide them accordingly for the next training phase.
• He has to help organize tournaments and other competitions.
• He has to teach and judge indoor and outdoor games.
• He has to teach the use of various health equipment and see to it that they are being used in the right way.

• As a strength coach, the first and foremost requirement is physical fitness. You need to be strong and healthy.
• From the point of view of education, you will need a bachelor’s degree in a related field. A master’s degree is not compulsory.
• A certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association is a good beginning. Certified coaches are always in demand.
• You may begin as an assistant coach, gain some experience, and then qualify for a private coach.
• You will need to know all about nutrition and medical terminology as well.

• The strength and conditioning coach salary range is almost along the same lines as that of a personal trainer.
• The starting salary is generally more than USD 25,000.
• With experience, these coaches can earn between USD 40,000 to USD 60,000.
• Some may even go up to USD 75,000, especially if they work in sports.
• The state-wise average salary is given below.

Source: Indeed.com as of January 23, 2015. Figures are in US Dollars.

• Strength and conditioning coaches work in gymnasiums, athletic departments, sports, health and fitness training agencies, private consultancies, etc.
• There is a tough competition out there for this career path.
• As a fitness coach, you will have to be in a fit condition yourself. Your personality maintenance plays an important role in your job. It is what prospective clients will look at.
• Your job will mostly consist of regular hours. If you are a sports coach, your presence may be required at the matches, in case a player wound himself and needs prompt physical therapy to help him get back in the game.
• If you are the personal trainer of famous personalities, you will be working according to the convenience of your clients.
• Your job will require you to put in extensive hard work, i.e., the work is physically demanding.
• You will be helping people do exercises, work on the different gym equipment, teach different fitness moves, etc. You will be on your feet all day.

While the job market may be tough for strength and conditioning coaches, it is one of the best career paths out there for people who are passionate about fitness. Apart from physical strength, one needs to be morally strong and psychologically fit as well. As a professional coach, you will be helping innumerable people build a better personality and regain their strength, looks, and confidence.