Welcome to Coaching Chats, where we explore the world of fitness, strength, and conditioning. In this episode, our host, Rukshana Alieva, sits down with renowned strength and conditioning coach, Alena Luciani. 

Together, they explore the subject of training for performance over aesthetics, the impact of social media on fitness and the principles of strength training for athletes. Alena shares her insights on the importance of agility, mental resilience, and the need for certified professionals in the health and fitness industry. With a focus on practical application of knowledge, they also discuss Alena's online courses and the gap in existing certifications. 

Join us as we dive into the world of strength and conditioning with Alena Luciani on Coaching Chats!

Speaker Bio: 
Alena Luciani has been an athlete all her life and her passion for sports has shaped her career. In high school, she began taking her strength and conditioning seriously and was fortunate enough to play two sports in university, including lacrosse. 

Inspired by her older brothers, she delved into strength training and conditioning, seeing the positive impact it had on her performance. With a desire to stay involved in sports, she continues to navigate the world of athletics with enthusiasm and determination.

To contact Alena:

Episode summary 

Alena Luciani's Approach to Fitness
- Emphasis on Training for Performance Over Aesthetics
  - Potential Imbalances from Solely Focusing on Body Composition
  - Impact of Social Media on Fitness
  - Rewarding Flashy Content Over Educational and Research-based Posts

Strength Training Principles and Drills for Athletes
- Focus on Foundational Movement Patterns
- Resilience in Chaotic Scenarios
- Power, Speed, Acceleration, Deceleration, and Movement in Different Directions
- Preference for Star Jumps Over Burpees for Cardiovascular Challenges
- Effectiveness of Burpees and Potential for Sloppy Movements
- Pallof Press as an Anti-rotation Exercise with Attention to Tension and Resistance

Tailored Training for Athletes and General Population
- Importance of Agility, Speed, and Responsiveness
- Addressing imbalances caused by sports-specific movements
- Mental Resilience and Building Confidence Through Consistent Challenges
- Clarity of Purpose and Risk-taking Mindset of Athletes
- Hybrid Assessment Approach: Intake Form, Conversation, and Physical Assessment
- Challenges of Being a Young Woman in the Sports Field

Diverse Experience and Focus on Empowerment
- Working with Various Demographics
- Benefits of Strength Training for Both Athletes and General Population
- Everyone Is an Athlete: Importance of Power and Reaction Time
- Importance of Maintaining Power and Strength as People Age
- Working with Various Sports: Football, Basketball, Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby, Swimming

Alena Luciani's Philosophy on Fitness and Training
- Intentional Training for Strength and Resilience
- Integrity, Consistency, and Practicing What she Preaches
- Importance of Seeking Certified Coaches and Trainers
- Concern about Misinformation from Unqualified Fitness Influencers
- Making Training Fun and Enjoyable for Adherence and Success

Professional Development and Practical Application of Knowledge
- Online Courses for Strength Conditioning Coaches, Personal Trainers, and Movement Practitioners
- Gap in Existing Certifications and Continuing Education

Insights into Alena Luciani's Background
- Experience as an Athlete and Academic Background in Kinesiology
- Distinction Between Strength and Conditioning Coach and Personal Trainer
- Certification as a Certified Strength Conditioning Specialist through NSCA
- Practical Application of Knowledge as Key Focus in Alena's Courses

Rapid Fire Exercise Preferences
- Alena's Exercise Preferences
- Rukshana's Interest in Alena's Courses

Contact Rukshana:

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