See what our athletes think about our personal coaching approach
I have always been someone who participates and does reasonably well, now I am gunning for the podium. About a year ago, I was introduced to Yousef, and since then, I have been working hard on a structured cycling and running program, which have seen my power and speed increase, and importantly my times drop. I am now placing 4 and 5th in races, I have qualified for the Ironman 70.3 world championships. Thanks for all the insights, help and advice!
have had a the pleasure of knowing Youcef from Handsling Coaching for several years. We rode together in the same group while Youcef was based in Singapore. I began using Youcef’s professional coaching services around 3 years ago to assist me with training and preparation for amateur races, and also in trying to maintain a reasonably high level of general fitness. Youcef has been truly excellent. Unlike other coaches, he has been willing to tailor my program’s to accommodate my often intensive work travel commitments, which very often change at the last minute. Youcef has always been able to include hotel gym-bike sessions, and other strength-related workouts in my program at very short notice. Coaching services at Handsling are definitely not like the typical ‘set-and-forget’ vanilla programs usually offered up elsewhere, and impossible to follow while constantly travelling. They are personally customised based on the individual athlete and that person’s specific requirements and circumstances. And they deliver outstanding outcomes! Since working with Youcef, being able to effectively balance training and competitive amateur racing with work and family, has become manageable and fun. Although aged 47, I feel fitter and more competitive on the bike than ever before, despite often being time-crunched. Youcef is also a totally great guy, very easy to deal with and flexible, and totally focussed on each individual he coaches. I would highly recommend Youcef and Handsling’s services to anyone wanting to get significantly fitter and stronger.
When I came to Paul I was reasonably fit, had done the Marmotte earlier in 2018 and was very keen to improve over the autumn and winter. But I was stuck in low zone3 on 1.5-3 hour rides. I now know I was a one-dimensional monster in danger of flatlining and overtraining. Paul helped me see how varied sessions, combining zone 2 with higher efforts and a bit more recovery, would take me to a much higher level. And it is doing just that. Paul’s deep knowledge of power and training, his enthusiasm, flexibility and warm guidance means I’m quickly becoming faster and fitter, for longer. At the same time, I feel like I’ve got real support — someone who cares “watching my back” and encouraging me. As my fitness and own knowledge grows, I can’t wait to do more events at a much quicker, variable and sustainable pace. Roll on this year and next!
When Youcef @HandSling started coaching me, I had not long taken on an additional role at work which involved a lot of late nights on the office as well as frequent overseas travel, I also have 2 young Son's and a Wife at home. Youcef worked around my crazy schedule (which is like a moving target) with a human and scientific touch, and I trusted his methods 100%. His organization, level of support and thoroughness are without comparison; his skills and experience are vast; and hes a good bloke too! Best yet, his results speak for themselves: I would have never reached the podium during 2018 without Youcef.
I decided to take the step up from Cat 3 to Cat2 in the USAC federation and as a result the playing field in Texas went from me having no problems finishing in the top 10 even after travel and work commitments to having problems surviving 10 miles of a 90 mile road race when I thought I was in good shape. Working with Paul I was able to identify quickly areas which needed addressed and improve them in the most efficient time I could on the bike scheduling around work and travel. From getting dropped in January I was later in the same year able to perform crucial roles within my team where we managed 1st and 2nd in Texas State Championship Road Race. I travelled to Tulsa Tough and Participated in USA Crit series with the Americas top Cat 1/2 riders and despite not placing in such a stacked field I was able to race it and had the power to have a lot of fun and finish in the pack which without a structured program there is no doubt that I would have been dropped. I also had a number of podiums in local P12 Criteriums and finished 10th in the Texas Gravel State Championship. In the off season I have continued to develop and feel that I haven’t peaked so far and hope to continue to see the benefits of following the coaching and training program.