Miscellaneous
Michael Piercy is the owner of The LAB Sports in New Jersey. Michael transitioned to the fitness industry after an illustrious career in professional baseball where he played for three major league organizations. Today, Michael works with everyone from elite professionals, youth athletes, and active adults to help them unleash their inner athlete. Michael is recognized for his achievements in the fitness space, including being named Personal Trainer of the Year in 2017, and TRX senior master trainer. Michael is also an author and a speaker. In this episode hosted by Dan McDonogh, Michael shares more about his transition from professional sports to the fitness industry, and what inspired his decision to work with youth athletes. He speaks about the challenges and most rewarding aspects of working with youths, and why it’s important to manage expectations of everyone involved. Michael also shares more about his ideas of what it means to be a playmaker, and how to bring that out in the work we do. Tune in to find out more. Key Takeaways: [0:38] Dan introduces his guest for this episode — Michael Piercy. [2:05] Michael made a transition from professional sports into the fitness industry. What was that transition like for Michael? [4:45] What was the gap that Michael saw that needed to be filled, especially with youth athletes, that he works on within his facility? [6:50] What does Michael find the most rewarding working with youth athletes? [8:56] What is the most challenging aspect of working with youth athletes? [10:54] Dan and Michael discuss the challenges of managing expectations, both of the athletes and their parents. [16:18] What does it mean to be a playmaker, and how can we all bring that into the work that we do? [20:07] Michael talks a bit about embracing your vision. [22:33] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [23:59] Michael explains what it means to let your work speak as it relates to being a playmaker. [26:32] Part of being a playmaker also has to do with knowing your strengths. [30:12] Michael shares a story about talking to his mom about stealing bases. [32:20] #4 of being a playmaker is to mind your words. [34:57] Our words matter a lot, especially when working with youth athletes. [38:03] The last thing Michael talks about in being a playmaker is that coaching is a calling. [45:08] Dan summarizes some of his biggest takeaways from this conversation with Michael. Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Dan McDonogh Dan McDonogh on LinkedIn Michael Piercy on LinkedIn and Instagram The LAB Sports Tweetables: "The fitness industry was always something that was really central to my life." - Michael "That's one of the most important things that we do here is try to work on the total athlete." - Michael "What can we give them that can help them really make a difference, not only just as an athlete, but as a person." - Michael "It's not about results, it's about the work that you put in." - Michael "Building trust with the parents is ultimately going to lead to trust and growth and development in all areas of that child's life." - Dan