Here's how you can infuse emotional intelligence into Functional Training programs.

1. Incorporate modules on self-awareness to help participants understand their emotions and reactions. 2. Teach empathy skills to encourage understanding and consideration of others' perspectives. 3. Foster effective communication techniques to enhance interpersonal interactions. 4. Include exercises on emotional regulation to manage stress and maintain composure. 5. Encourage teamwork activities that promote collaboration and relationship-building. 6. Provide feedback mechanisms to help participants reflect on and improve their emotional intelligence skills.

In a stroke of academic brilliance back in 1990, psychologists John Mayer and Peter Salovey accurately coined the term "Emotional Intelligence." They cleverly dissected this concept into four branches: 1. Identifying emotions on a nonverbal level. 2. Using emotions to guide cognitive thinking. 3. Understanding the information emotions convey and the actions emotions generate. 4. Regulating one’s own emotions, for personal benefit and for the common good. Daniel Goleman's 1995 book later added the 5 EQ components: 1. Emotional self-awarenes 2. Self-regulation 3. Motivation 4. Empathy 5. Social skills In 2002 the U.N. sent a statement of 10 basic EQ principles (based on the above) to education ministries throughout the world.

Integrating self-awareness drills seamlessly into balance exercises can yield robust results. Engaging in functional movements like balancing on one leg on an uneven surface while reaching for a cone can evoke strong emotional reactions in your clients. Taking the opportunity to guide this awareness process by asking thought-provoking questions that prompt clients to reflect on their emotions and motivations offers a subtle yet effective way to enhance self-awareness without explicitly addressing it on an emotional level. Allowing this internal exploration to unfold naturally over time, rather than imposing it with statements like "Today, we're training emotional self-awareness—get ready!" can lead to more profound and lasting progress.

When coaching athletes in the US I would incorporate scenarios into high-level skill drills to train emotional regulation. For instance, during basketball free-throw practice, I may introduce elements such as: - Spraying them with ice-cold water - Playing loud and unpredictable music - Having teammates shout at them For clients preparing for obstacle races, I would offer the optional experience of pouring a gallon of cold water over themselves before training sessions. My unconventional methods simulate the intense pressures of crucial moments, like shooting the final game-winning basket with only 3 seconds left on the clock. Or pushing through a grueling 10k obstacle race at age 50, drenched in mud and exhausted, without giving up.