A Passion for Strength and Conditioning Education

Interview with Dr. Abobakr Ravand, the President of the International Association of Strength and Conditioning (IASC)

Abobakr Ravand has been involved in the field of strength and conditioning for over 15 years. He holds a PhD in Physical Education and Sport Coaching from Beijing Sport University and has worked with athletes at various levels, from youth to professional sports. Throughout his career, he has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of strength and conditioning in enhancing athletic performance and overall well-being.

Voicu Mihnea Simandan: As President of the International Association of Strength and Conditioning, what are your main goals and objectives for the organization?

Abobakr Ravand Our main goal is to promote excellence in the field of strength and conditioning, and fitness as well as by providing resources, education, and support to all the coaches all around the world. We aim to elevate the standards of practice and ensure that professionals in our industry are equipped with the latest research, best practices, and ethical guidelines. Additionally, we strive to foster a sense of community and collaboration among our members to facilitate knowledge sharing and professional growth.

VMS: How does the IASC accomplish these goals? Can you tell us about the programs and initiatives you have in place?

AR: We offer a range of programs and initiatives to support our communities. First and foremost, we provide continuing education opportunities through our social media platforms, the IASC Fitness Podcast, workshops, seminars, and webinars conducted by leading experts in the field. By the end of this year, we will start our IASC Strength and Conditioning Coaching Certification program. Additionally, we actively engage in advocacy efforts to promote the importance of health and fitness in various sectors, including sports, fitness, and healthcare.

VMS: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges and opportunities that the strength and conditioning industry faces today?

AR: One of the significant challenges is ensuring that strength and conditioning professionals are recognized as essential members of the sports and fitness ecosystem. Educating sports coaches about the critical role we play in enhancing athletic performance, injury prevention, and overall health is critical.

Another challenge is staying updated with the latest research and advancements in the field. It’s vital for professionals to continuously expand their knowledge and skills to provide the best possible guidance and support to their clients or athletes.

On the positive side, there are enormous opportunities for growth and impact. The increasing awareness of the importance of fitness and athletic performance, coupled with advancements in technology and research, opens up new avenues for innovation and application of strength and conditioning principles.

VMS: How can strength and conditioning professionals help athletic performance?

AR: Strength and conditioning professionals play a crucial role in helping various sports by maximizing athletic performance, minimizing the risk of injuries, and promoting overall athlete well-being. Through their expertise and specialized training, they provide valuable support to individual athletes, sports teams, and organizations.

Strength and conditioning professionals design and implement comprehensive training programs tailored to the specific needs of their athletes and the demands of their respective sports. These programs focus on developing strength, power, speed, agility, endurance, and other physical attributes necessary for optimal performance. By utilizing periodization principles, they ensure that athletes progress systematically and peak at the right time.

VMS: What message would you like to share with aspiring strength and conditioning professionals who are considering joining IASC?

AR: I would encourage aspiring them with an open heart. By joining us, they gain access to valuable resources, educational opportunities, and a network of experienced professionals who can guide and mentor them on their journey. Together, we can advance the field of strength and conditioning, elevate standards of practice, and make a lasting impact on the lives of athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

VMS: Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with me. It’s been a pleasure, my friend, to speak with you again and to learn more about strength and conditioning.

AR: Thank you. It has been my pleasure, too. I look forward to continuing our mission of advancing strength and conditioning and making a positive impact in the industry. And, I’ll see you in the gym for some pull-ups!