Anthony Donskov

Anthony Donskov is the founder of DSC where he serves as the Director of Sport Performance. Donskov holds a Masters Degree in Exercise Science & is the author of Physical Preparation for Ice Hockey.

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3 Tips to Perform Like “The Boss” in the Weight Room

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Outside of the weight room I have many passions, but none greater than my love for music.  I love listening to it, writing it, playing it and watching people perform.  I love all types of music, genres, bands and solos artists.  But no one, and I mean no one compares to Bruce Springsteen.  I recently had the opportunity to see him (it was actually my 5th time), and to say he put on a show would be an understatement!  I have never seen an artist more passionate, with so much energy and a love for his craft.  He played on into the night for three and a half hours never taking a break then finally said: “Columbus, do you have anything left”, and proceeded to close the show with yet another song.  You might be wondering what this has to do with strength training, but the message is woven into every piece of fabric in our lives.  Here are three tips to perform like “The Boss” in the weight room, the classroom, the field, ice, in relationships and personal life.

1.) Lead the Pack

A wise Coach and mentor Joe Kenn (aka Big HOUSE) once said “You can’t have a bad day as a Coach.  You are the leader of a pack.”  PERIOD!  Bruce leads of the E-Street Band.  I’m sure there are times when he’s sick, tired, drained and personally doesn’t feel like performing, but you would NEVER know this watching him play.  He is a leader and his band follows his energy, his passion and his lead.  The older I get, the more I believe that leadership is a personal choice.  There are no white board drills that enhance it, create it, or produce it….it’s a choice!  Choose to lead the pack.  There are no bad days in the gym!

2.) The Stage

Ticket prices for Bruce weren’t cheap.  In fact, taking a family of five could set you back considerably.  Regardless of who is preforming, people want their money’s worth!  The stage is where it’s earned!  Bruce had the energy of a twenty year old, never stopped playing, dancing, sweating, taking song requests, and making sure EVERY single person in the 18,000 seat arena got every single penny’s worth of their investment and time.  I once heard Bruce interviewed and he said that he plays this way because some people may only get to see one show in their lifetime, and he wanted to personally make sure this experience will be a memory that lasts forever. 

As strength coaches we step on stage every single day…it’s called the weight room.  I LOVE my stage.  I yell, sing, coach, teach, enhance, develop, and do work on my stage!  What do you do on yours?  Own it, control it, enhance it, develop it, cherish it and NEVER take it for granted.  The stage is a sacred place.  Make sure your athletes never forget it! 

3.) Play from the Heart

It all starts from the heart!  I left the show with goosebumps, with a renewed passion to write, sing, perform and be a better me! As Coaches we have the unique opportunity each and every day to change the lives of the athletes we come in contact with.  In the end it all comes from the heart: discipline, desire, passion, determination, dedication, persistence, strength, power, and attitude all start in the middle of the chest. 

I can guarantee you this…if you ever walk into DSC, regardless of day of week, you will witness a bald guy yelling, singing, coaching, teaching, preaching, moving, smiling, joking, sweating, lifting and leading my “band” of athletes.  You may even hear: “DSC, do you have anything left?  Cause I’m just getting started.”  I want to be remembered as someone who left it in the gym!  I want to be like Bruce! 

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