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Blake Gourley, M.S. CFSC

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About

Coach. Author. Teacher. Travels for Tacos.

With 18+ years of experience in competitive rowing, Blake understands what is needed to be a high-performing athlete. He also understands what is needed when roadblocks get in your way. As a Division I recruit, he suffered a back injury which prematurely sidelined his rowing career. 

With a Masters Degree in Sports Performance, 10+ professional certifications, several published articles, and a couple of books under his belt, Blake's goal is to help as many rowers as possible. 
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For the past 18+ years Blake has been working with clients ranging from high-performing athletes with no limitations, to clients transitioning out of injury (in collaboration with their doctors). Blake strongly believes that no matter where you are currently, there’s always a way to improve. You aren’t broken. You're still an athlete.

Blake has held internships with Stanford Sports Performance and Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (voted the #1 gym in the USA). He spent 9 years coaching high school rowing and was the Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Santa Clara Men's Crew Team for 2 years.

Blake has developed a thirst for knowledge and pursues further education whenever possible. He continues to further his expertise by attending conferences, seminars, and courses multiple times a year to stay on-top of the latest and greatest performance information.

Blake currently helps rowers in-person and all around the world (virtually and via app),  he's also a board member & associate professor for the Personal Training Certificate Program at West Valley College.

Education


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Masters of Science

Applied Exercise Science
Emphasis in Sports Performance Training

2015-2017

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Internship

Sports Performance Internship at
Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning
Voted #1 Gym in the U.S. by Men's Health



Summer 2013

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Internship

Sports Performance Internship at
Stanford University



Spring 2013

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Sports Medicine

Exercise Science & Sports Medicine Certificate at
West Valley College


       
2010-2012


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Bachelor of Arts

Mass Communications


2004-2008

Professional Certifications


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Certified Functional Strength Coach

CFSC Level 1 Certified (CFSC)

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National Academy of Sports Medicine

Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

Performance Enhancement Specialist  (PES)

Corrective Exercise Specialist  (CES)

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Functional Movement Systems

Functional Movement Screen Level 2 (FMS)

Fundamental Capacity Screen Certified (FCS)

Selective Functional Movement Assessment Attendee (SFMA)

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Functional Range Conditioning

Mobility Specialist (FRCms)

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Bio Force

Bio Force Certified Conditioning Coach

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Stick Mobility

Certified Stick Mobility Level 1 Coach

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Dr. John Rusin

Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC)

Featured In


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Books


The Movement of Rowing
Self-Screening Strategies & Solutions for the Ankle


Rowing Stronger, 2nd Edition ,
Guest Chapter - "Movement Assessments for Rowers"



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Journals


National Strength & Conditioning Association Coach. November 2019, Volume 6, Issue 4
Strength Training Practices for Rowing, Reducing Injuries

National Strength and Conditioning Association Coach. February 2020, Volume 7, Issue 1
Strength Training for Rowing Performance

National Strength and Conditioning Association Coach. May 2020, Volume 7, Issue 2
Strength Training Practices for Rowing, Conditioning Training


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Podcasts


The Strength Coach Podcast
Episode 289


The Movement Made Better Podcast
Episode #50

Science of Rowing Podcast
Co-host


Strength Coach Roundtable
Co-host

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Websites

ScienceofRowing.com
Co-Founder and Former Contributor

Strengthcoach.com
Speaking Coach: Rowing Edition
Is it possible to be competitive and remain injury free in the sport of rowing

Rowperfect.co.uk
Deadlifting for Rowers
Top 5 tips for Conditioning Rowers
General Injury Prevention Tips for Rowing

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Webinars

2020 US Rowing Webinar
"The Ankle Bone's Connected to your Rowing Performance"


2021 US Rowing Coaches Convention
"The Puzzle Pieces of Strength Training"

2022 US Rowing Masters Conference
"Staying Hip: Focus on Hip Control for Rowing Performance & Long-Term Health"

2023 US Rowing Junior National Team Summer Camp
Live Workout & Hands-on Lecture


2024 US Rowing Masters Virtual Camp
"Strategies to Reduce Injuries in the Master Rower"

2025 Chasing Excellence Virtual Conference
​"Breathing Strategies for Rowers"

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  • Blog
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  • Virtual Link
  • Resources
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