Name: Ashley Jones
Profession Teacher
Team Crusaders (Christchurch, New Zealand based team in Super 14 rugby) & Sanyo (Japanese corporate team in Japan Top League)
Greatest achievements as a trainer every time a player sets a new PB in the gym or breaks his bests in a conditioning session, or earns his first cap and hence a Crusader player number, no one can take that away from him.
Years in the Industry 30
What strength coach or trainer has had the most impact on you and why? Lyn Jones/Harry Wardle they took the time to show a young student the importance of Olympic Lifting and instruct me in technique and programming. Damian Marsh for the countless hours we have chatted about everything and nothing, the good and the bad of strength and conditioning.
What are the positives of being a Strength and Conditioning Coach / Trainer? Everyday you come to the gym or the field you are facing new challenges and having to think on your feet, no day is like the previous, working with motivated and enthusiastic people who want to achieve.
What are the negatives? Have not found any yet, as Confucius has been credited with “find a job you enjoy and you never work a day in your life”
What advice would you have for those wishing to become a part of the industry? Stay away from the latest fad that has infiltrated our profession from the fitness industry, learn the basics, lift regularly, as far as I am concerned organization, observation and communication are the keys, be humble it is not about you but the people you train, be yourself.
What is your favorite exercise? Safety Bar Combo (Simmons) Good Morning, although I have recently fallen in love with the Dead Lift again
Favorite piece of equipment you have in your gym? Tendo unit it has been a fantastic tool for the players to see how fast they are lifting, our Monolift is also a personal favourite
If you could change one thing what would it be? To be honest, absolutely nothing