From Skateboarder to Strength Coach

From Skateboarder to Strength Coach-DVRT Ultimate Sandbag Training

How to Get Results in the Real World

Steve “Coach Fury” Holiner
DVRT Master Chief Instructor, Senior RKC, Original Strength Instructor & Other Stuff

-What is your philosophy in fitness and what made you interested in DVRT?

As coaches, we have a responsibility to better the lives of the people we train. We also have to find safe, honest and effective ways to do so. It’s that simple. This is the core of how I view what I do. Someone may come in off the street wanting to lose 20 pounds but there’s always a deeper reason as to why they chose that goal. The psychological effect on a person when they start moving well and feeling stronger will often have a greater impact than the goal of losing some weight. This isn’t meant to undermine their initial goal, we’ll get that, but we can offer so much more to people.

My friend, mentor and DVRT Master Instructor Gavin Van Vlack first introduced me to Ultimate Sandbags and the previous incarnation of DVRT (then called LIFT). The idea of moving with load in all the planes of motion immediately hooked me. As a skateboarder, I was always twisting and turning (and falling) in all directions. Why shouldn’t we train in multiple planes. The way the DVRT System progresses and regresses movements was a huge eye opener for me. DVRT is at the core of how I view everyone I train.

-What surprised you in using and teaching DVRT?

Initially, I was very surprised with how little load we needed to make something challenging. Having come more from the world of kettlebells and barbells, I was shocked by how heavy a 60 pound Ultimate Sandbag could feel when matched with the right DVRT movement.

As I continue to get deeper into the system over the years, I’ve grown to fully appreciate how much DVRT has to offer as coach. Viewing the people I train through the DVRT lens has refined my process of coaching, cueing and programming. I had never expected it to have such an impact on everything I do.

-What do you think are things that people don’t know about DVRT?

The biggest misconception is that it just a “sandbag” certification. I will fight to change that view with my dying breath. DVRT is a complete and well-rounded system. As I mentioned earlier, it is the foundation of how I coach people regardless of the implement or goal. DVRT is powerful stuff.

-What results have you seen with clients?

The things I’ve been the most proud about have been significant changes in the quality of person’s movement. In my opinion, improved quality of movement, means an improved quality of life. I’ve also seen many people get exceptionally strong using the DVRT system. Hannah Fons is a perfect example of this. Hannah’s dedication to training has not only led her to becoming a DVRT II Coach and a straight up beast strength-wise.

-What are some tips you can tell us to successfully add DVRT into a fitness program?

Whether it’s private, semi-private or group training, DVRT is very easy to put into practice. You won’t need much gear to get significant results. I suggest starting by assessing your current clientele and try to see where there may be some shortcoming with either their results or their current programming. Then take a moment to see what aspects of the DVRT System will best fill in those blanks. Start simple. Then let it grow organically. In short time, you’ll begin see DVRT’s influence on your overall coaching method.

-How can people reach you if they want to contact you about how to use DVRT to raise their game?

I’m here to help. For more info you can check out my website coachfury.com or facebook.com/coachfury. The best way to reach me directly is through email at coachfury@gmail.com. /* */

Want to learn more how Coach “Fury” has used DVRT to help people have a 100% pass rate in the challenging HKC kettlebell certification? You can read about it HERE