Strength Training for Life: Insights from Erik Hernandez

Dr. Jared Pelo sits down with Erik Hernandez, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach at the University of North Carolina. With nearly two decades of experience working with Olympic sports athletes, Erik shares valuable insights on strength training that apply not just to elite athletes, but to anyone looking to improve their health and fitness.

The Journey to Strength Coaching

Erik's path to becoming a strength coach wasn't straightforward. Initially aspiring to be a doctor, he discovered his passion for strength training through his own experiences as a college athlete. This personal journey has shaped his approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of maximizing one's genetic potential through proper training.

Key Takeaways for Everyone

1. Honesty is the Best Policy: Erik stresses the importance of being brutally honest with yourself about your current fitness level. This honesty forms the foundation for setting realistic goals and making meaningful progress.

2. Realistic Goal Setting: Whether you're a former college athlete or someone who hasn't worked out in years, setting achievable goals is crucial. Erik encourages focusing on small, consistent wins rather than unrealistic expectations.

3. Consistency Over Intensity: For most people, consistency in training is far more important than high-intensity workouts. Erik advises finding a sustainable routine that fits into your lifestyle, even if it's just one or two workouts a week to start.

4. Functional Fitness for Life: Training should support your life goals. For many, this means maintaining the ability to play with kids or grandkids, not necessarily bench pressing 500 pounds.

5. Personalized Approach: Every individual's fitness journey is unique. Erik tailors his coaching to each person's specific needs, goals, and limitations.

The Power of Proper Assessment

Erik's intake process involves a thorough assessment of not just physical capabilities, but also motivations and lifestyle factors. This comprehensive approach allows him to create truly personalized training plans that address the whole person, not just their physical fitness.

Overcoming Common Obstacles

Two major hurdles Erik often encounters with clients are:

1. Unrealistic Expectations: Many people set overly ambitious goals or try to do too much too soon, leading to burnout or disappointment.

2. Time Constraints: Finding time to exercise is a common challenge. Erik emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health and finding creative ways to fit training into busy schedules.

The Long-Term View of Health

Perhaps most importantly, Erik views strength training as a crucial component of long-term health. He sees muscle as the "balance of health," contributing to longevity and quality of life well into old age.

Conclusion

Whether you're an athlete looking to improve performance or someone simply wanting to age gracefully, Erik Hernandez's insights offer valuable guidance. By focusing on consistency, setting realistic goals, and taking a personalized approach to fitness, anyone can harness the life-changing power of strength training.

For those interested in working with Erik, you can find him on Instagram at @hernandezstrength or visit his website at hernandezhealth&performance.com.

Remember, it's not about being perfect, it's about making progress and staying consistent in your journey to better health.