Coach of the Month: Henry Tosh

Interviewer: Henry, thank you for joining us today. Let's jump right in. Can you tell us how you got involved in the Strength and Conditioning profession?

Henry Tosh: Certainly. My journey into the Strength and Conditioning profession started at a young age. I began working out when I was 15 and pursued my passion through academic studies. I completed A-level Sports Studies and then went on to obtain a degree in Sports and Exercise Science at Exeter University.

Interviewer: What motivated you to become a coach?

Henry Tosh: My motivation to become a coach stems from my deep fascination with the processes and methodologies behind gaining strength. I see strength training as an intricate puzzle, always driving me to search for the missing pieces. This constant quest for knowledge and improvement in strength training inspired me to pursue coaching, aiming to enhance my understanding and help others on their strength journeys.

Interviewer: Impressive journey, Henry. Can you share with us your greatest coaching success story?

Henry Tosh: That's a tough one, as coaching encompasses many facets of working with athletes. However, one of my favorite moments so far was handling Bobbie Butters to her first International title at the 2022 EPF European Champs in Poland.

Interviewer: That's indeed a remarkable achievement. Now, let's talk about Velocity-Based Training (VBT). How big of an impact does it have on the people you work with?

Henry Tosh: Velocity-Based Training has a significant impact on my clients. About 90% of them incorporate a RepOne VBT unit into their training regimen. This tool is crucial for tracking progress and managing fatigue, especially for clients I don't see frequently in person. By reviewing their completed sessions, I can accurately assess their progression.

Interviewer: Fascinating. What advice would you offer your fellow coaches?

Henry Tosh: My advice to fellow coaches would be to grasp the intricacies of velocity measurement in training. Recognize that not every lift conforms to a universal protocol for velocity tracking, and key performance indicators can vary based on the training phase and the unique biomechanics of each athlete.

Interviewer: That's valuable advice. Now, what advice would you give to athletes looking to improve their performance?

Henry Tosh: Athletes should focus on their own journey and avoid comparing themselves to others. Strive for personal growth and aim to improve incrementally each day. Remember, the concept of a "perfect training program" is a myth; what works best is highly individual and depends on your unique needs and goals.

Interviewer: Absolutely. Is there anything else you'd like to share with our audience?

Henry Tosh: I'd like to emphasize the integration of Reps in Reserve (RIR) with Velocity-Based Training (VBT), which renders the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale redundant in strength training contexts. This approach offers a more reliable and nuanced approach to gauging and adjusting training loads.

Interviewer: Thank you, Henry, for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. And for our audience, you can connect with Henry on Instagram @henrytosh_coach.