Starting Strength Certification and coaching in retirement

[cdbrosius]

Hi folks,

I am a 65 year old high school teacher and cross country coach who is planning to retire in two years. I have recently started the SS program and am very impressed with every aspect of the platform. Since my better half won't let me "retire" when I leave the school system, I am looking for some other activity to keep me going, generate some supplemental income and especially help other people improve their lives mentally and physically.

I was wondering if it is even feasible and practical to consider getting certified as a SS coach in my late 60's. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

Best Regards

Chad Brosius

[Michael Wolf]

If you possess the sufficient work ethic and are willing to develop the skill-set, sure. And my guess is there is a lot of business out there for a 60-something coach in FL who wants to focus on the older population, like what Sully is doing in Detroit. We are developing some tools to help potential coaches have a better chance of passing. Without any help other than the books and articles and videos we put out, if you've just started the program you'll probably need 9-15 months of study and practice - assuming you have at least a few people to coach, attending a seminar without trying to pass as a coach, another 9-15 months of study and practice, and then you may have a chance when you come back to a seminar again. If you can intern directly under an SS, maybe you can cut time that by 1/3 to 1/2. Our educational pipeline is still in the works, but that may be another way to cut the time a little.

[Randy Winfrey]

Chad,

Yes, we could use you among our group. The aging population really needs our services. Leading by example is one of the best ways to sell the idea among the skeptical. I was an endurance athlete for 20 years during my military days and switched over to strength training and eventually barbell only training through Starting Strength with some moderate conditioning when I feel like it. I have been an SS coach since Jan 2012 and really enjoy being a coach in my mid 50's. I agree with Wolf's projections about getting the credential. Start now, and you may be able to have it by the time you are ready to retire. You are already a teacher, so the communication part will probably come easy. Learning the program, using the program, understanding it, the human body, applying it to others with various problems will take some time.

[cdbrosius]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the encouraging responses. This definitely gives me some goals to shoot for. If anything, I will at least improve my own well being and learn a butt load of good science along the way.

Thanks again

Chad Brosius