In today’s episode I walk you through the importance of focusing on small weekly goals and celebrating progressive ‘wins’ to help make your on and/or off ice program less overwhelming   Task: At the end of each week take some time to reflect on 3 ways you ‘won’, and identify one main process thing you want to focus on and be held accountable for each week.   Use these to build momentum, resilience, progress and focus on the things you can control In case you missed them, these episodes would be a great follow up listen: Episode 09: Return to Curling Part 1 -Reverse Engineering Your ..read more

In this episode I go over some of the reasons why that technique adjustment is hard to do or doesn’t stick in games, and of course some things to consider as both the athlete and the coach to help get the most out of each practice.   We discuss the importance of expecting an implementation dip & the pathway of going from not knowing that your technique issue exists, to being able fix it and over time unconsciously apply it in a game setting.   The In Season Training “Menu” is available here. Click the link to check out all the ways you can work with me this fall. Here are some pa ..read more

In today’s episode I have Emily Riley, a mental performance coach back on the podcast to talk about managing missing a workout (or 2 or 3). How do you know if you need a rest day, or if you are just being lazy? And what are some strategies you can employ to ensure you follow through on your commitments   Here are some past episodes you will want to go back & listen to: Episode 19: Giving yourself grace with Lori Olsen Episode 47: 3 Keys to Motivation with Emily Riley Episode 52: Working on your mental game   To stay as up-to-date as possible, make sure to join the Empower ..read more

What if you could easily make adjustments to your training and recovery practices to help keep you fit and healthy, adapt to your activities and be prepared to compete with less worry? Your RHR (resting heart rate) is an easy measurement to take whether you have a smart watch or just a pulse & a timer. If you track your RHR you can check to see if you are adapting to your training, if you need a rest day, and if your recovery practices are working.    In this episode I explain the relationship between your heart rate and your nervous system so that you can have a tool that helps ..read more

In today’s episode I am joined by in-person and virtual Personal Trainer and fellow Empowered Performance Academy member Erica Friedman.   Erica shares her perspective on what core training is, how to get the most out of your core training, and how to upgrade your current core training program to help you move well, improve your pelvic floor and maximize your day-to-day and athletic performance. In case you missed them, these episodes would be a great follow up listen: Episode 17: Training for Curling & Golf is about the fundamentals with Nick Buchan Episode 39: Warmup essentials ..read more

In today’s episode we discuss a common issue when it comes to becoming a better brusher. Everyone knows we want to apply more force during the sweep. But not many people understand how to go about both effectively and efficiently creating that force. I explain the concept of kinetic energy and how to practice using your entire body to create downward force while sweeping a rock.   Here are some past episodes you will want to go back & listen to: Episode 34: 5 off-ice exercises for becoming a better brusher Episode 38: Brushing Workout Tips Episode 52: Trust the Process with Brad ..read more

In today’s episode I go through my list of top 6 habits that all elite curling athletes demonstrate on their path to becoming and staying great. These qualities are just as important to develop as your on and off ice training in order to set yourself up for success.   All mentioned past episodes with some of the greats I’ve gotten to interview Episode 19: Giving yourself grace with Lori Olson-Johns Episode 29: Success favours the prepared with Joanne Courtney Episode 37: Jill Officer on being yourself and trusting the process Episode 52: Trust the Process with Brad Thiessen &nbs ..read more

In today’s episode I share 5 tips that will make your training journey easier. These are things that I’ve learned through experience, and habits I encourage my athletes to develop. To stay as up-to-date as possible, make sure to join the Empowered Performance newsletter and to follow me on Instagram at @empoweredperformance   Listen and watch on The Curling News/SI website.   All mentioned resources are available in the show notes on my website at www.empoweredperformance.ca/podcast  Including direct links to webinars & workshops, and the EP offseason menu.   Other epis ..read more

In today’s episode I am joined by Brad Thiessen who shares his journey as one of Canada’s top front-enders.    Brad shares how he believes improving his fitness was integral in marking him as one of the best brushers in the world, why learning to prioritize your time is crucial, how to be the best teammate, and why you need to look after both your mental and physical health.   To stay as up-to-date as possible, make sure to join the Empowered Performance newsletter and to follow me on Instagram at @empoweredperformance   All mentioned resources are available in the show not ..read more

Today’s episode is all about helping you set an intention for the “limbo time” between the end of one curling season, and the beginning of your off ice training program.   I discuss the importance of a full season plan, and provide some tips and tools to rest fully, recover physically & mentally, and how to use the time to move well and manage injuries.   Here are some past episodes you will want to go back & listen to: Episode 04: Avoid these 8 mistakes I made training to be a fitter curler Episode 09: Reverse Engineering your Goals Episode 28: Using Performance Gap An ..read more