The fitness world certainly has changed radically in the last 15 years.
It is crazy to think that back when I first started coaching back then there were really no ‘small gyms’ to speak of. Your options were to go to a big gym and train on your own, hire a personal trainer who often worked out of their home, or hire a trainer at your gym (but very few did that as I recall).
Fast Forward to Today
Now, it feels like there’s a gym on nearly every street corner. The saturation is reaching levels comparable to Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. Most of these facilities cater to adult fitness, but there are also many, like ours, that focus specifically on athletic development for those 18 and under.
At first glance, these gyms might seem to offer the same services.
- The equipment is roughly the same.
- The drills often look similar.
- We all sweat, grunt and push ourselves harder.
For many people, the idea that “fitness is fitness” is widely accepted. But here’s something I believe is being seriously overlooked
Athletic Training Is Not the Same as General Fitness
Athletic development training has far more differences than similarities when compared to adult fitness training. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always translate into kids receiving a tailored service. Too often, we see identical programs designed for adults being repackaged and marketed to children. In some cases, the training is slightly watered down, but it still fails to address the significant differences in the needs of these two populations.
Why the Differences Matter
The differences between athletic development and general fitness might not always be immediately apparent, but they are critical if we are truly committed to doing what’s best for the kids who train. Athletic training should be about more than just mimicking adult routines; it should be about fostering growth, strength, and skills in a way that is appropriate for young, developing bodies.
The fitness world has certainly changed radically over the last 15 years, but as we continue to evolve, it’s crucial to recognise that not all training is created equal. If we want to truly support young athletes, we need to tailor our approaches to meet their unique needs—because athletic development is not just another form of fitness. It’s a specialised practice that demands its own methods and understanding.