About Nick

Strength and conditioning coach focused on helping athletes and individuals build strength, improve performance, and train with purpose. Based in Falmouth, MA.

Nick Hardin smiling during a training session

My Background

My interest in strength and conditioning developed through my own involvement in sports, particularly playing soccer, and a growing curiosity about how training impacts performance and development. This led me to pursue a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science at Springfield College, where I built a foundation in movement, physiology, and program design.

During my internships and coaching experiences, I worked with athletes and individuals across different settings, gaining valuable exposure to how training can be adapted to meet diverse needs. These experiences ultimately shaped my passion for structured, purposeful coaching and continue to influence how I work with athletes and clients today.

Nick coaching a group of athletes on the turf

Athlete Development

Athlete development is a long-term process focused on building movement quality, strength, coordination, and confidence over time. My approach emphasizes establishing strong foundational skills before progressing to intensity, allowing athletes to safely develop speed, power, and resilience for their sport. Training is structured to meet athletes where they are in their development while providing clear progression, ensuring that each phase contributes to sustainable performance and growth.

Coaching Philosophy

The Individual

I believe training should be individualized, purposeful, and centered around long-term growth. Every client brings unique goals, experiences, and challenges, so my approach focuses on understanding the person first and building a plan that fits their needs. By creating a supportive environment that encourages communication, accountability, and ownership, I aim to help clients feel confident and invested in their progress.

Movement & Quality

My training philosophy emphasizes movement quality, functional strength, and progressive development. I prioritize exercises and progressions that improve performance in sport, daily life, and overall health while building resilience and reducing injury risk. Rather than chasing quick results, I focus on sustainable progress through thoughtful programming, consistent effort, and clear intent behind every session.

Educational Process

Beyond physical outcomes, I view coaching as an educational and relational process. My role is to help clients understand the purpose behind their training, develop awareness of their bodies, and build habits that extend beyond the gym. Ultimately, my goal is to create a coaching experience that supports performance, confidence, and lifelong engagement in training.

Experience

My internships gave me hands-on experience coaching athletes and adults through structured training sessions. Working alongside other coaches helped me develop my coaching style and a better understanding of how to support people with different goals and experience levels.

Full Plate Strength & Conditioning

Strength and Conditioning Coach Intern

Westfield, MA · Jan 2024 – Present

During a 400-hour internship, I coached athletes and adults through warm-ups, plyometrics, medicine ball work, strength training, and conditioning, with sprint work for athletes. I also helped prepare and reset the facility and took part in weekly staff and internship meetings to continue learning.

Athletic Performance Training

Strength and Conditioning Intern

East Falmouth, MA · Jun 2023 – Aug 2023

I coached athletes through mobility work, dynamic warm-ups, plyometrics, medicine ball work, sprints, strength training, and conditioning. I also helped with vertical jump testing and prepared and reset the facility between sessions.

New England Functional Fitness

Personal Training Intern

East Longmeadow, MA · Jan 2023 – Apr 2023

During a 90-hour internship, I trained adults and athletes through stretching, dynamic warm-ups, functional strength training, and conditioning. I observed coaching sessions to develop my approach and helped prepare and reset the facility.

Springfield College

Bachelor of Science - BS, in Kinesiology and Exercise Science

2020 – 2024