7 Cool Things I’ve Learned so Far from My Internship
In today’s post, I decided I would share a few things that I’ve learned so far in my first week working with Toronto Raptors. Some of the stuff I’m about to share is very educational and just some cool, interesting facts. So, without further to do, let’s get started!
1. Planks are not applicable to a sports performance point of view.
One of the first things that I learned from the training staff was that planks are not a great core exercise for sport-specific training, instead they are just abdominal exercises. It was an eye-opener to see the things that the training staff did with the basketball athletes and how they actually ‘trained’ the core. It made me change my thought process because when you think of it.. How is lying in a prone position applicable to a basketball player standing up defending an opposing player. Basketball athletes are never lying in prone position at anytime during a game, so therefore, it’s not really applicable. Don’t get me wrong though, planks are still AMAZING for developing spinal stability and preventing lower back pain though! However, if you are training an athlete, you need think of training the core in a more applicable point of view that involves ‘integration movement’.
2. Working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in the NBA is an AMAZING job but it has it’s Cons
After speaking with my mentor about being a strength and conditioning Coach, he mentioned that it’s the best job you can imagine but it does have it’s downfalls. One of those downfalls is that you are on the road a LOT. My mentor mentioned to me that he doesn’t see his family a lot during the season and it really can take a toll on him if he can’t see his family for an extended period of time. I guess every job has it’s pro’s and cons.
3. Basketball Athletes personalities are different than Hockey Players.
This is an interesting one I found after one week of working with the Toronto Raptors so far. The personalities between hockey players and basketball players are different. Basketball players I find are more ‘relaxed’ and ‘chill’ as opposed to hockey players. It’s an interesting thought, and it really can make things easier or difficult when training each type of athlete.
4. Who is Who?
This is a bit of a funny one. So, far I’ve met so many PEOPLE and it’s a struggle sometimes to remember everyone’s name and also, figure out everyone’s role on the team. I mean when you got the coaches, management, players, athletic therapists, doctors, paramedics, security staff, chefs, D-League coaches and therapists, other interns, etc. Let me tell you…. it add’s up and I’m slowly starting to get to know everyone better. I’m sure as time goes on and training camp ends, things will clear out and I’ll know everyone off by hard.
5. Everyone is amazing!
Coaches, Players, staff, management, doctors, security, and everyone else is SUPER friendly and nice. Everyone is very approachable and always willing to share some knowledge! I’ve loved meeting everyone so far, and it’s been a great experience!
6. I am the Only Strength and Conditioning Intern in the NBA in Canada
Just a fresh thought and an interesting way to thinking about things. It just makes me feel how grateful and awesome this opportunity with the Toronto Raptors is.
7. And I am the First Ever Strength and Conditioning Intern for the Toronto Raptors
Another cool thought and it’s pretty cool to think I am the first ever intern in this position 😉
So, that wraps it up for seven cool things that I’ve learned during my first week with the Toronto Raptors! It’s still is very early, and there are many more things to learn 😉
Ciao,
Remi
