“Hey, maybe knock that down 10 lbs and focus on staying tight at the bottom of your clean.”
“You could go Rx, or you could go a little lighter and finish in the suggested time domain.”
“Sorry, I know you thought it was a PR, but you didn’t stand all the way up before dropping the bar.”
Those are just a few of the examples of things I say on a regular basis to athletes in class. Over time, I’m able to create pretty meaningful relationships with most of the people that I coach (thankfully), but there’s always a certain few who refuse to take advice or listen to the suggestion of the person directing the group.
I’m sure there have been times where a coach is jealous that an athlete can out-perform them. Or times where athletes feel like the coach is insulting them by suggesting a lighter weight, or requesting and increased range of motion. I, however, don’t play any of those games. The eye rolls, the weight or movement selection out of spite, the sighing and being bitter for a few days… it doesn’t help anyone!
My job is to help you get better. My goal is to keep you healthy. My responsibility is to not let you do something that could get you hurt. So when I’m leading a class and make a comment to someone about slowing down or being more in control, please don’t be offended. Talk to me if you have any questions, ask me to video a rep or two and show you what I’m talking about (I’m a very visual learner), or respectfully tell me you’re going to do it anyways. But please don’t think I’m ever trying to hold you back. I’ve been doing this for a long time (in comparison to a lot of people in the CrossFit Game), and have one thing in the forefront of my mind each day… to be able to walk out of the gym and say, “Nobody died!”
As a rule, I’d always rather you go a little lighter and practice perfect form in workouts than “going for it” and risk getting hurt. Besides… almost none of us are going to the Games. We’re doing this fitness thing for fun, to stay healthy, and to look better naked. Get a time that’s 20 seconds slower to put up on the white board, but walk out of here on your own knowing you did everything right!
Help me, help you!
Safety first. I’ve got your back. I’m here for YOU!
-Smashby
Smashby's Training Blog 
Anyone who has been coached by you over time HAS to know that you have zero ego in this. You are 110% FOR the athletes you coach! Not the first time and not the 300th time did I ever think you didn’t want the ultimate best for ME. I know you don’t write these blogs so that people say nice things but I felt it wasn’t just nice, it’s true!! You are an awesome coach and know your shizzz-nit!
Thank you so much, Heather! All I know is that I miss alllll of you, and hope we get to connect again soon. And now, we wait for the more-frequently-occurring “Countdown to Christmas” posts from you 🙂