Claire Zai is a strength coach and competitive athlete with Barbell Medicine. She is a scientist and activist for creating a safe space for women in strength sports like Powerlifting. Claire Zai is also behind the #LOADWOMEN to raise money and awareness for the barriers women face in sports and science. In this episode, we talk about the seasons of training and competing. Athletes cannot realistically train, diet, and prepare for competition for months on end without becoming completely exhausted and burned out. The real sacrifice that comes with competing in a sport at any level is beyond just physical. It includes mental, emotional, and social sacrifices. If you are a woman looking to get active in strength sports as an athlete or coach, Claire offers her perspective on the state of women in strength sports and advice on how to find your space! If you are interested in a good, old-fashioned coach’s chat about training, communication, and enjoying the process, this episode is for you. 

THE GRITTY DETAILS

• Having a quality coach in your sport allows athletes to get an objective perspective of their training and performance and recognize that athletes have an emotional connection to training that clouds their perspective of growth. Critical feedback includes recognizing when you have done well.

  
  



• Measuring success can be done in a variety of ways. This is important for athletes and coaches to discuss and agree on before going into a training cycle. Consistency in showing up for training is a measure of success, which is just as valuable as winning the competition.

  
  



• Fatigue and load management are critical considerations for programming. Stress across our entire lives is cumulative. Stressors outside of the gym will often show up during training. Your body will learn to self-regulate and adapt, but athletes should prepare to adjust training in partnership with their coach to meet the needs of their current season of life.

  
  

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST 

• Follow Claire Zai on Instagram or check out her website to learn more about her background.

  
  



• Interested in working with Barbell Medicine? Find more about coaching information

  
  



• If you want to participate in #loadwomen - follow the campaign on Instagram

  
  

EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Episode 32: Building Community Through Sport

  
  



• Episode 28: Athletic Identity, Injury, and Burnout

  
  

CONNECT ON SOCIAL

• Follow the Podcast on Instagram

  
  



• Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

  
  

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