Here is our coach David Choquet, whom we affectionately nicknamed “D-Choq”. We had a few questions to ask him.
WHAT IS CLIMBING FOR YOU?
For me, rock climbing is a passion in which I can push myself and meet new challenges. That allows me to learn more about myself while sharing these experiences with others. I enjoy seeing how I react to adversity and climbing constantly gives me that.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN TRAINING?
I come from the hockey refereeing community. Physical preparation has always been an integral part of my journey. I think it comes from my concern for performance and constantly pushing my limits. Since this is an important element in refereeing, I attach great importance to mental preparation. In my opinion, it plays a major role in training and competitions. The change to climbing was done in a relatively simple way since I immediately applied my work ethic to it.
WHAT DO YOU BRING UNIQUE IN YOUR APPROACH TO TRAINING?
I consider that my knowledge as a physiotherapy student allows me to better understand and dissect movements. Also, I have a good understanding of the body. It gives me the ability to ensure a better form for exercises and to ensure a progression by decreasing the risk of injuries. I believe that my role allows me to work in injury prevention rather than only in the rehabilitation aspect.
HOW DO YOU WANT CUSTOMERS TO FEEL BY LEAVING COACHING WITH YOU?
What I value most in my coaching is that the clients feel listened to and that we really worked on their expectations and their objectives. That helps to push them in the right direction. I try to be attentive, keeping in mind what would be best for them.
WHAT ADVICE COULD YOU GIVE TO A CLIMBER WHO WANTS TO TRAIN AT HOME WHILE WAITING TO COME TO THE GYM?
Personally, I believe that the key to home training is motivation. No matter what facilities we have available, it’s better to keep it simple and enjoyable in order to continue training at a good frequency.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE AT HOME FOR YOUR TRAINING?
For my training at home I decided to keep it really simple. I use the underside of my steps as a pull-up bar and a rubber band for different exercises. I’m trying to explore the different exercise possibilities with little equipment. However, I like to have some fun training my fingers with my Yubi and my Entralpi!
WHAT ACTIVITY DO YOU MOST BIND IN CONTAINMENT?
I miss the most being able to climb outside with friens, but the rocks are here to stay and they will be waiting for me!
EVERYONE IS MAKING EFFORTS THESE TIMES. WHAT IS YOUR CHEAT-MEAL DURING CONTAINMENT?
Even if I try very hard, I really can’t resist a blueberry muffin, it’s really my weak point …
