Looking
to get that edge in Sport? The Athlete’s Edge recently
welcomed a new head strength and conditioning coach to the team. Originally
from Iran, Ben moved to Vancouver at the age of 10.
With a
long CV, Ben is prepared to help take our athletes to the next level.
A lover
of sports such as basketball, rugby, and football, Ben played football at Western and for UBC’s team while completing his masters.
We sat
down with Ben to chat about his experience, his favourite type of training, and
what he’s looking forward to most about being part of the group.
Give us a little background
information—how did you end up in strength and conditioning?
For the majority of elementary school I was in Iran, so I didn't
have many chances to play organized sports until I moved to Canada. Once I
started playing sports, I couldn't get enough. I played rugby, basketball, and
football. I got a football scholarship to Western so I went there (sorry) and
played for 4 years while I got my BSc in Kinesiology. During my time at
Western, my strength coach Jeff Watson was awesome! So naturally I became
interested and decided to move back home and continue my education at UBC.
What types of people
have you worked with in the past?
I have worked with a variety of populations. I have trained
Olympic Gold medal winners and Olympic level athletes, NHL players, NFL players,
CFL players, wrestlers, tennis players, volleyball players, basketball players,
long distance runners, rowers, snowboarders. I've also trained general
population and rehab clientele.
What teams will you be
working with at McMaster?
I’ll have the pleasure of working with our men and women's swimming teams, volleyball teams, and basketball teams.
What’s your favorite
sport?
I like them all! I played football for most of my life, so I
understand it more than any other sport, but I just like watching great athletes
do their thing!
What’s your favourite
way to sweat?
Playing sports. I love playing squash, basketball, or
anything with friends. I also do workout and run but would way rather play sports.
We know our Marauders and Athlete's Edge clients will be in good hands with him and we're looking forward to seeing him in action!
For more information about the Athlete's Edge program, check them out online or on Facebook & Twitter.
