3 Things I have learned from Wolfgang Unsöld
Germany’s most influential coach
Wolfgang Unsöld is a strength coach from Stuttgart, Germany, and the founder of YPSI (Your Personal Strength Institute), a renowned hub for coaching education across Germany and Europe. Wolfgang has authored over 10 books on strength training and nutrition, cementing his reputation as a thought leader in the field. His expertise extends to mentoring athletes from over 20 sports, including 13 who competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and 3 who participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Through the YPSI Trainer B & A license, Wolfgang has certified trainers in more than 35 countries across 5 continents and has conducted seminars on training and nutrition in over 28 countries worldwide, being a mentor to many esteemed coaches in Germany, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.
Shaping my career with Wolfgang Unsöld
For over five years, I have been a student of Wolfgang Unsöld, drawn by his remarkable client transformations, deep knowledge of biochemistry, and talent for simplifying complex concepts while maintaining their effectiveness. My journey began in September 2021 when I first met Wolfgang in person. I spent a week at his gym, immersing myself in his methods, training, and nutrition principles during the YPSI Trainer B license. Since then, I read all of his articles, and books and attended more than 10 seminars and workshops, both online and in person, under his guidance, including topics such as Neurochemistry for Personal Trainers, Functional Nutrition, Gut Health, and Program Design and Periodization.
Although I don’t fully agree with every aspect of Wolfgang’s methodology and have deviated from some of his practices over time, I still regard him as an exceptional coach and a highly successful entrepreneur. His influence has been instrumental in shaping the success and direction of my career. Here are the top 3 things I’ve learned from one of Germany’s most influential coaches.
1. Maximal strength is the mother of all physical qualities
Tudor Bompa, the renowned sports scientist often called the guru of periodization, famously stated, "Greater strength increases your performance in absolutely everything." And I couldn’t agree more. Strength is the master quality and the cornerstone of all other physical attributes, including power and maximal speed. Greater maximal strength will help you run faster, punch harder, jump higher, and build more muscle. Simply put, prioritizing strength development is always a wise choice.
Wolfgang Unsöld emphasized the critical role of strength development, particularly for building muscle and improving body composition. Many people who train regularly, including competitive bodybuilders, often get stuck in the higher repetition ranges of 10-12 repetitions. However, this approach can significantly limit their strength development and the growth potential of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which respond better to lower repetitions with heavier loads.
This doesn’t mean everyone should train like a powerlifter with heavy sets of 1, 2, or 3 repetitions. The intensity needed to develop maximal strength varies with training experience. Beginners can effectively build strength with higher rep ranges, such as sets of 12, while more advanced individuals may need to shift to lower rep ranges, such as 6 or 5 repetitions, to continue making progress.
The key takeaway is that prioritizing strength development should be central to your training goals, whether you aim to enhance power, build muscle, achieve a leaner physique, or improve overall health. Embracing strength development as a cornerstone of your fitness journey will provide a solid foundation for all other physical attributes.
2. Training in full range of motion
Wolfgang Unsöld was the first coach I encountered who placed a profound emphasis on training exercises through their full range of motion. This approach includes performing dips where the forearm is covered by one-third by the triceps, deep squats with elevated heels where the hamstrings fully cover the calves, and neutral dumbbell chest presses that allow for a greater stretch of the pectorals in the bottom position. For the average gym-goer accustomed to half-reps, reading about these techniques might induce cold sweats.
This training method parallels the benefits of stretching, as it helps maintain muscle and soft tissue elasticity and flexibility. By emphasizing a complete range of motion, it not only reduces the risk of injury but also promotes overall soft tissue health. This principle has remained a cornerstone of my training philosophy, especially with general population clients who spend most of their day within very limited ranges of motion.
Additionally, if the range of motion is significantly limited due to previous injuries or the accumulation of scar tissue, Wolfgang employs tools like the Gua Sha or acupressure to provide short-term improvements in flexibility. These techniques are then complemented with a full range of motion exercises to support long-term improvements in mobility.
3. The business aspect of personal training
To be a successful personal trainer or coach, financial stability is essential. To support yourself, your family, your education, and, most importantly, to grow and enhance your business, a firm grasp of financial management is essential. Treat your personal training career with the same seriousness as any other business. This involves honing your skills in business strategy, marketing, and financial planning. Mastering these aspects ensures sustainable growth and long-term success in your profession.
