Who Takes the Gym Session?
Chapter 14 – Who Should Run the Gym Sessions?
(From Strength and Conditioning for Gaelic Games - only available on amazon now until reprint)
Throughout this book, we've explored a range of methods and ideas to help improve your GAA team’s performance. But one question we consistently get asked is:
“Who should take the gym sessions?”
It’s a fair question, and one that deserves serious thought. Here are some key considerations, red flags to watch for, and general advice to ensure your team gets the best—and safest—support in the gym.
Avoid the “Ex-Player Turned Coach” Trap
At some clubs, the head coach takes charge of the gym work simply because they lifted weights back when they were playing.
Please, don’t do this.
While experience as a player is valuable, it does not automatically translate into safe or effective gym coaching. In fact, these sessions often become a mishmash of exercises thrown together with little structure or progression. They're typically too heavy, poorly organised, and frankly—dangerous.
If you're working with limited resources, it's better to carefully apply the training principles laid out in this book. Test-run sessions yourself a few times before leading them with your team.
The “Player-Student Coach” Dilemma
Another common solution is appointing a current player who is studying Strength & Conditioning or Sports Science. On paper, this seems like a decent fit.
But in practice, it rarely works out.
The player almost always resents the responsibility, and it places them in an awkward position with their teammates.
I’ve seen it first-hand. In Longford, a player I was mentoring in S&C was sometimes asked to lead warm-ups when no one else was available. He did a great job—but it was an unfair ask, and an uncomfortable dynamic for everyone involved.
It creates that dreaded “who does he/she think they are?” tension in the group. It can work—but it’s rare air.
The Best Option: A Qualified S&C Coach
Ideally, reach out to an established Strength & Conditioning coach for advice. Not only can they guide you toward a suitable candidate, but they might even know an excellent intern or newly qualified coach looking for experience (and some paid work).
But be discerning—not all trainers are S&C coaches.
Avoid those who focus solely on punishment-style workouts full of endless burpees, tyre flips, and sprints. That’s not coaching—that’s just flogging people.
A good S&C coach will usually have:
A degree or diploma in Sports Science or a related field
Experience under a mentor or lecturer
References from previous teams
Professional insurance (which is non-negotiable, even if often overlooked)
If you’re unsure where to start, call your county’s S&C coach—they should be willing to offer guidance. If they’re not, that’s frankly rude.
And please, don’t just hire the person with the biggest biceps in the parish. They may look the part, but the knowledge and qualifications are what truly matter.
Choosing the Right Fit
If you’re a head coach reading this, look for someone you see as an equal—someone who can fully support your vision while also challenging you just enough. Personality matters. They need to mesh well with your group and understand your team’s culture.
What Should You Pay Them?
Rates can vary depending on experience and qualifications. But remember: coaching is more than showing up for an hour-long session. A quality S&C coach will:
Write personalised training plans
Travel to and from the club (fuel and time costs)
Assess players’ diets and recovery
Field calls from players and coaches
Arrive early, leave late, and manage ongoing program progression
At the time of writing, I was coaching the Offaly senior footballers and clocking up a solid 20-30 hours a week—and that’s not unusual when travel is factored in.
Be fair with your payments. Pay on time. Be transparent and upfront. Don’t have your coach chasing you for weeks about a cheque.
Creative Payment Options?
If your club has a decent gym setup, consider a barter arrangement. Perhaps the coach gets access to your facility in exchange for training the team at a reduced rate. These agreements can work well as a short-term launchpad for both sides.
But be warned: they often fall apart unless a clear, written agreement is made upfront. Things can unravel fast if a new manager comes in with different plans or axes your setup altogether—which, unfortunately, is not uncommon in the GAA world.
Final Thoughts
Investing in proper gym sessions is a game-changer for any team—but only when led by the right person. Whether you're building from scratch or trying to raise standards, think long-term, think safe, and think smart.