GCC Training have embarked on a new journey to become Optimal Skills. The requirement to deliver great education is still at the front of our business however are now in a position to expand past fitness courses and into the development of people across your entire business. This is not only in the leisure industry as our team have a wealth of experience across all industries when it comes to management, leadership, team and personal development. For more information please contact davidcraig@optimalfitness.ae.

The venue was Vale Resort in Wales and the team was the World famous British Lions.  David Craig and Neil MacCuish were invited to the first day of the Lions training camp prior to their trip to Oz to take on the World!
All testing went well and the first session in the morning was full of enthusiasm from coaches and players.
There was an obvious team bonding process going on where some players were meeting for the first time.
The first session was very much based on working the ATP-CP system with heavy fast reps for all major body areas in the weights room and sport specific phases of individual play through HIIT in the WRU indoor facility.  The Coaches (English and Welsh Rugby S&C coaches) ran the show meticulously ensuring that the techniques and movements were specific whilst achieving the HIIT principles.
Lunch followed and we sat with the Management, Security and Coaching staff.  We discussed the sessions and the restrictions to just having the athletes for 8 weeks.  Running technique for Rugby was then discussed before Frans Bosch was introduced to us.  For those who don't know he is a technical expert in running education and has worked with some of the most successful athletes in the world for over two decades... another great honour!
The players retired to their rooms and or break out area until they were briefed on the rest of the days events.  The following session was a technical and tactical session which was to be conducted indoors due to adverse weather for which the players once again performed well.
First impressions were very encouraging and GCC Training definitely took away valuable information for functional specific training in sports, running and specifically working within the required training zones (seeing the theory in practice).  Although the phrase 'We are going to pump them up to be warriors' was used, the science and prior preparation was meticulous.
A once in a lifetime event and showing where the aspiration for any trainer/coach has to be.  All the GCC Training course material was practically on display during the sessions therefore showing if you work hard enough and base your outcome on science and evidence performance for clients at any level can be improved.
GCC Training would like to wish the British Lions all the best for the tour and hope they come back as Champions!