Meet Dave Richards, PerformancePro strength and conditioning coach. From professional footballer to training a great range of clients at PerformancePro, Dave has always been interested in fitness, exercise and coaching.
For Dave, it’s all about professionalism, great facilities and team work; we caught with him in between clients to find out more about his approach,
Life before PerformancePro
Before moving to London, Dave’s focus was very much on football. His career started at Derby County F.C at youth level, then two years later he was offered his first professional contract at Walsall F.C. Aged 18, Dave made his debut for the first team against Wycombe. Three years later he moved to Worcester City where he played semi professionally from 1996 to 2000. His next move to Dulwich Hamlet F.C saw him making over 150 first team games with the club from 2000 to 2005.
Alongside his football career, Dave was also studying Sports Therapy at college and his National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) in Personal Training.
Dave Richards and PerformancePro
So it’s pretty clear Dave’s keen interest in fitness, exercise and coaching runs deep. This is why soon-to-be PerformancePro directors Mat Grove and Anthony Purcell invited him down to take a look at what they were planning to do before our doors opened. It was then that he met director Dan Boulle too,
“When I heard their plans for PerformancePro, I knew straight away it would be a good move for me to join them and improve as a coach in the industry. So I’ve been here from day one! PerformancePro is run professionally, with a good team of coaches and no egos. It’s good fun. We all work well together and the facilities are great.
“Most of all I enjoy training a variety of clients with different needs and goals and ensuring their tailored training programs are updated so they are progressing effectively.”
And away from the gym?
Away from the gym, Dave Richards is a busy dad and enjoys a good variety of life. When he isn’t reading crime thrillers and sporting autobiographies, or seeing as many art exhibitions as he can, he is running 5-10K around Greenwich Park!
Dave’s own fitness
In addition to the running, Dave aims for 3-4 sessions per week in the gym ((2-3 strength training and 1-2 intense cardio). His main focus is maintenance and consistency,
“I like to keep myself strong as I’m overcoming a few injuries and it’s good to be consistent”.
Top 3 Do’s
Make time for yourself (training)
Be consistent
Enjoy!
Top 3 Don’ts
Don’t over train
Set unrealistic goals
Compare yourself to anyone else
Inspiration
Dave looks to others, including his peers, for inspiration,
“I’ve worked with coaches at the top of their game for many years and this inspires me to do well. The fitness industry is always changing so keeping up to date is essential, learning new skills is a great motivational tool.”