The Blog of The IRON LOUNGE

Interview with Strength/Boxing Coach Rob Pilger of Old Skool Fight Sports and Fitness Academy in Columbus, Ohio

1.) What is your educational background?

I took the formal route for a minute getting a semester of college in but since I was paying my own way I thought learning from the experts would be the better choice. It was. I'm a CHEK Level II Practitoner, PICP Level I therory and Technical. This is a Charles Poliquin certification program. RTS theory, this is a course of biomechanics offered by Tom Purvis. I think its an excellent course. I continue to learn a lot from Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell, I see Lou every week as his gym is 10 minutes from mine and he trains at my gym as well. Louie is just not all powerlifting he has a lot of brilliant training ideas and methods. I have interned and taken seminars from the the best of in the field, Mike Boyle, Joe De Franco, Elite FTS, Eric Serrano, Charles Staley, Alwyn Cosgrove, John Berrardi, to name a few. I continue to network with many of these names and more as quite a few have become my friends. I'm also a Level II USA Boxing Coach.

2.)Do you hold any certifications?

AIFE Personal Trainer ( Big deal! ) CHEK Practitoner Level II, PICP Level I Theory and Technical, RTS Technical, USA Boxing II Coach.

3.)What made you want to switch sides from boxer to strength coach?

I didn't enjoy the bullshit buisness side of boxing, it took all the enjoyment out of it. It was a GREAT experience though. The big reason to is that a lot of fighters don't come close to fullfilling their true potential due to the lack of strength training. Strength training is frowned upon in boxing but those in the know that many fighters can greatly enhance their potential and careers by gaining many strength qualities that are left undeveloped in them. This is my goal, passion, and mission to rid this myth and demonstrate with results on why strength training is needed for success in all fighters careers.

4.)Could you see yourself having any other profession?

Within the boxing industry yes. Manager will soon become another title for me as will comitator down the line as well. I'm a true hybrid coach. Mastering all that I am at the same time too.

5.)What would you say your training philosophy is?

I'm a coach that has MANY tools to use depending on the goal or situation. I have learned and always will continue to do so, many training tolls and systems. So i don't follow one system, I just use what tools the goal calls for. This allows me to truly be a successful coach.

6.) What type of tests and/or assessments do you perform on new clients?

I use assessment skills that I leanrned from my CHEK training and RTS. Postural assessments, flexibility rom ( active and dynamic ), core strength, movement assessments, and lifestyle. I have been trained to assess spinal curatures as well, Also advanced assessment for people suffering back pain.

7.)What do you think is the most important attribute to being a strength coach is?

Having an open mind to learn and listen to many sources. being an intuitive coach ( having the ability to change thins on the fly ) communication and listening skills, having discipline, owning and demonstrating great assessment skills as the athletes program will only be as good as the assessment. Of course walking the walk while talking the talk, alsws putting yourself in the athletes shoes and understanding what he is experiencing and living and coming from and dealing with in his life. life style factors and mindset are sorely overlooked.

8.)What are the main things most athletes programs are usually missing?

Stability, flexibility, mobility, these is often left out as strength and power are developed way too soon. Real and optimal core strength too along with proper movement skills. Life style/eating considerations. This is HUGE as the program and success of the athlete will flow off of this. This is really the most important.

9.)How much time do invest into improving yourself as a coach?

At least an hour a day mainly 2 hours per day. This is my enjoyment as well.

10.)How far does the "knowledge" take you before experience becomes the limiting factor?

Experience is everything. You gain knowledge from experience. Certainly you want to study what you do but you have to do what you stuy at the same time!