Chris Swart - Practical Advice for the Next Generation of Fitness Professionals

Our guest this week is Doctor Chris Swart.

Doctor Swart is an Exercise Science Professor with a PhD in Exercise Physiology. While this conversation is built on our shared experiences in the field of Exercise Science, there are a lot of universally applicable lessons that can be applied to the pursuit of any career or any stage of life - including the importance of networking early and often, finding mentors and testing your knowledge.

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Today’s Conversation with Doctor Swart includes the story of his decision to pursue a career in academics vs. a career in coaching or rehab, the common mistakes he sees undergraduate students make as they prepare for graduation and the transition into the workforce, and Doctor Swart outlines his “Three Mentors Philosophy”.

Connect with Doctor Swart: @doctor.swart
Connect with David: @dr.davidskolnik.dpt
Connect with the Show: @essential.strength.podcast

Action Plan

This week’s action plan is inspired by Doctor Swart’s “Three Mentor’s Philosophy”. If you are truly trying to level up in life, you need to find people who have done want you want to do, experienced the potential stumbling blocks, and found success. So, without spoiling the Philosophy - I still want you to listen to the entire conversation, of course! - What I’m encouraging you to do is identify one area of life you are actively trying to improve - this could be professional, it could be athletic, it could be your marriage… you get to choose - and then find someone 10-20 years ahead of you who has achieved and sustained what you are striving for and approach them about mentoring you. You’ll learn about some strategies for initiating this type of conversation later in the conversation but for now, just start thinking about what you want to achieve and identifying potential mentors!

What's Next - That’s it for this week on The Essential Strength Podcast. Be sure to tune in next week for our episode with Kevin Mullins, coach, educator and author - and a discussion about the state of men’s mental health in the Fitness Industry, how we are taught to deal with difficult situations, what happens when our identity is called into question and whether or not we can still be badass coaches while taking a softer, more introspective approach to masculinity.  

Until next time - we wish you Strength and Good Health.