#018 - Understanding Clients During the Intake Process with OPEX Nutrition Instructor Sean McGovern

When taking in new clients, coaches are often left deciphering what a client actually is saying in their intake consultation. OPEX Nutrition Instructor, Sean McGovern, breaks down how to go about this tricky process of reading between the lines.

BIO

A 22 year veteran of skateboarding, Sean‘s background in sports and movement is deeply rooted in the experience around the result. “Growing up, the goal was always to get out with the older guys, learn from them and feed off that vibe of progressing to the next level. We always wanted more – to take things further, but we knew there was a progression and we had to surround ourselves with like-minded people that were better than us.” Designing different lines for the next skate-video started his passion for movement, flow and performance – later leading into a short-lived career in film editing upon discovering CrossFit in 2007.

Anxious to become part of building a different story, he pursued coaching – interning under Justin Marcis (Windy City Strength & Conditioning). Within the next 7 years he opened, operated, and sold his own facility to focus solely on being a strength coach. “My old spot was CrossFit, and the new approach just didn’t fit there; it was obvious with the flux in clientele and the want for met-con after met-con that they weren’t getting. Upon finishing my first CCP course, I knew James Fitzgerald had those missing pieces that I had been looking for in CF – progression and the individual nature of an athlete.” Completely intrigued with that essence, he finished his CCP courses and dove into Functional Diagnostic Nutrition. This understanding of the biochemical aspect, helped his clients achieve their health and performance goals at a whole new level.

Outside of work, Sean pursues both skateboarding and Olympic weightlifting recreationally. He is passionate about his wife Becky and their dog, Demo. He loves Jesus and is thankful for every opportunity to work with clients as a strength coach.

Website – OPEXfit.com

Facebook – OPEX Fitness

Twitter - @OPEXFitnessInstagram - opexfitnessYouTube – OPEX Fitness

Podcasts Mentioned:

Hmmr Podcast – Episode 55: Stress with Bryan Mann

Resources Mentioned:

Drugs.com

Coursera.orgCoursera – Vital Signs Course

0:00 – 3:51 – Robbie’s asks Sean to

3:52 – 10:45 - Robbie asks Sean to discuss what is involved in OPEX Intake10:45 –  15:00 - Robbie asks Sean is the Intake process just a conversation or does the client fill out a questionnaire in advance of the consultation 15:01 – 19:01 - Robbie asks Sean to go through the questions that are included in OPEX Intake

19:02 – 20:03 - Robbie asks Sean is there any resources for coaches on nutrition and drug interactions regarding potential contraindications

20:04 – 21:49 - Sean discusses Goals are part of the OPEX Intake

21:10 – 29:35 - Robbie asks Sean about discussing a client’s job within the intake process

29:36 – 30:52 - Robbie talks about how coaches need to start seeing their roles as global load managers of stress 30:53 – 34:22 - Sean continues to discuss how knowledge of a client’s job is crucial to know in load management 34:23 – 35:01 - Robbie mentions the work of Bryan Mann regarding stress and load management with university athletes 35:02 – 37:56 - Sean expands on the role of stress management37:57 – 42:54 - Robbie and Sean speak about the need for coaches to educate their clients on stress and load management regarding their goals42:53 – 53:59 - Robbie asks Sean to discuss how coaches should ask clients about their digestive health and where clients buy the food54:00 – 55:00 - Robbie asks Sean what he is currently reading 55:01 – 58:14 - Robbie asks Sean the big question – If he could invite 5 people to dinner, dead or alive, who would he invite and why?58:15 – 59:14 - Robbie wraps up the show!