Lessons from a Seasoned Coach: Franz Snideman

During this episode of Vital Metabolic Podcast, hosts James Wheeler and John Parker speak with Franz Snideman, founder of FS Athletics and Primal Speed. Franz speaks about his athletic history with running and sprinting, how he uses kettlebells while training his clients, the importance of trainer adaptability, and what he sees for the future of the profession.

 

Episode Highlights: 

4:47 - Today’s guest is Franz Snideman, a master kettlebell instructor and a high-level sprint enthusiast. 7:34 - What was it like back in 2002 when you were getting certified in kettlebells? 8:00 - It wasn’t structured like it is now, but it was unique and different. It was a game changer for the industry. 8:38 - Was it like an underground movement at that point? Or do you think it was a natural progression of fitness? 10:21 - Kettlebells opened up the world to using other tools such as Indian clubs. 11:00 - James feels that kettlebells are the best and most versatile tool for overall fitness. 12:35 - What was your early athletic career like? 15:45 - Can you tell people who Paul Chek is? 16:00 - Instead of focusing on muscles, he emphasizes focus on movement patterns. 18:30 - John speaks on the importance of having a mentor. 20:45 - The main goal is to get people moving. 21:00 - At the end of the day, is your client getting healthier and are the building blocks of fitness in place. 22:00 - Strength does not necessarily equate with performance. 23:40 - Franz needs multiple types of training to keep his body where he wants it to be. 25:55 - Transitioning into kettlebell training, did you notice anything with your speed? 26:50 - Kettlebells are great for teaching athletic qualities, even to non-athletes. 28:11 - All exercises have a risk factor, it’s the job of the coaches to determine whether the reward factor outweighs the risk. 28:55 - The goal of training is to continue training, and if you’re injured you can’t keep training. 31:00 - Take into account whether a certain style of training is appropriate for that individual person. 33:10 - What do you think about the current state of the industry with personal trainers? 33:50 - It’s very easy for people to get their message out, which has its pros and cons. 36:30 - James feels that right now is a great opportunity for coaches and trainers to be part of the solution to the health crisis. 37:45 - What are your plans for the future? 38:40 - Franz feels that a big part of his future will be integrating diagnostic testing and lifestyle behavior modification. 40:40 - It’s an exciting time with a lot of ambiguity, but Franz is staying optimistic about the future. 43:00 - Do you have any advice for new coaches starting out or current or new clients who will be training with you?  45:55 - It’s important to know who you want to work with, but also who you don’t want to work with. 47:00 - Do you have any new and exciting projects coming up?

 

3 Key Points:

Having a mentor as a trainer can be incredibly beneficial in growth. As a trainer, you need to meet your client’s individual needs and necessarily stick with your personal favorite training style. Looking toward the future, trainers have a very important role to play but they will need to be adaptable.

 

Tweetable Quotes: 

“Absolute strength definitely does not equate with better performance.” - Franz Snideman “If there’s one thing I’m really good at, it’s learning how to match exercises for people’s current capabilities.” -Franz Snideman “The most important thing for a trainer is education.” -Franz Snideman “We don’t need more trainers. We need more trainers who are passionate and really good at what they do.” -Franz Snideman “If you want to be a good coach and you want to treat it as a profession you have to take it seriously.” -Franz Snideman

 

Resources Mentioned: 

James: Facebook Instagram Twitter John: Facebook Instagram Twitter Franz: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Sponsor: Kettlebell Gains Apparel, code: vital20 Sponsor: Great Lakes Giriya, 20% off during lockdown with pre-orders