Many athletes go throughout their career with a variety of training protocols. This is both good and bad as there are many philosophies as to proper conditioning. There are two types of training in-season and off-season. They should be different in how they approach developing the athlete through both phases of the season. I have been in the fitness industry for 24 years and have worked with young athletes all the way through professional athletes. I am going to share my thoughts on the best strategies I have seen in my career. On-season training protocol involves the athlete being in the … [Read more...] about On-season vs. Off-season training protocols
Flexibility: The Key to a Healthy Athlete
Coaches want athletes to show up to practice as well as put in time in the gym to become bigger, faster, and stronger. The reality of the situation is that many athletes are limited in achieving optimal performance because they do not take the time to do things that help them recover like stretching. I have seen many athletes be consistent in their efforts at practice and in the gym and all of a sudden succumb to an injury. I have heard of many stories from parents and athletes in which when they show up to practice there is little to no warm-up prior to starting on the field. Many coaches … [Read more...] about Flexibility: The Key to a Healthy Athlete
Have you gained the Covid-19?
The year 2020 has been an interesting year so far and we are only a few months into it. About mid-March, the United States discovered there was a new enemy in our nation called Covid-19. The entire country has been shut down with 90 percent of businesses closed and unemployment at an all time high. As most Americans have dipped into whatever savings they may have to try to continue their normal life, the shutdown remains. It has now been almost 3 months the entire country has come to a screeching halt. Unemployment numbers have hit an all-time high and many people struggle to maintain some … [Read more...] about Have you gained the Covid-19?
Coaches: What are you teaching your athletes?
Being an individual in the fitness industry for the last 21 years, I have seen a fair share of athletes from 6 years old to professional athletes. It's interesting because I am seeing more and more coaches who are improperly educating their athletes. Coaches who are of the older generation are still doing the same techniques and drills that they were taught 40 years ago. This is mind-boggling because with all the information we now have at our fingertips, I cannot understand why coaches haven't started educating themselves on the new science and techniques that are available. I still hear … [Read more...] about Coaches: What are you teaching your athletes?
Winning Through Words: How Effective Communication Drives Team Performance
In the world of sports, where every second counts and every play matters, the difference between victory and defeat often comes down to more than just skill and strategy. One of the most underrated yet crucial factors in a team's success is effective communication. From the court to the field, from the locker room to the sidelines, the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently is the backbone of a high-performing sports team. In this blog post, we'll dive into the importance of communication in sports and how it can directly influence team performance, cohesion, and overall … [Read more...] about Winning Through Words: How Effective Communication Drives Team Performance
Fueling Success: How Nutrition Shapes Modern Sports Performance
In the world of sports, performance is everything. Whether you're a professional athlete or someone who enjoys an occasional run or workout, how you fuel your body plays a pivotal role in your performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Nutrition and sports performance are intricately linked, and understanding the science behind this connection can give athletes the edge they need to succeed. In this article, we’ll dive into the vital role nutrition plays in optimizing athletic performance and why it should be a top priority for every athlete. The Science Behind Nutrition and Sports … [Read more...] about Fueling Success: How Nutrition Shapes Modern Sports Performance
Stronger Together: The Top Benefits of Couples Who Workout Side by Side
When it comes to building a healthy, lasting relationship, fitness can be a game-changer. Working out together as a couple not only strengthens your bodies but also deepens your emotional bond. Whether you’re hitting the gym, running outdoors, or practicing yoga at home, exercising with your partner brings a host of benefits that go beyond physical health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top advantages of couples who workout together and why it’s a workout routine that’s as rewarding for your relationship as it is for your fitness goals. 1. Enhanced Motivation and Accountability One … [Read more...] about Stronger Together: The Top Benefits of Couples Who Workout Side by Side
Stretching for Safety: How Proper Flexibility Reduces Injury Risk
In the world of fitness, injury prevention is a top priority for athletes and everyday exercisers alike. Whether you're an avid runner, gym enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys staying active, the importance of proper stretching cannot be overstated. Stretching for safety is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of injury and enhance your overall performance. In this article, we’ll explore how proper flexibility can help you stay injury-free, the types of stretches that are most beneficial, and how incorporating stretching into your routine can lead to long-term health … [Read more...] about Stretching for Safety: How Proper Flexibility Reduces Injury Risk
Understanding Common Shoulder Injuries: Causes and Symptoms
Shoulder injuries are a common issue that can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. Whether you're an athlete pushing your limits or simply trying to lift your grocery bags, understanding the causes and symptoms of these injuries is crucial for effective prevention and recovery. From rotator cuff tears to shoulder impingement, the complexities of shoulder injuries can be daunting. In this post, we’ll break down the most common shoulder injuries, helping you recognize the warning signs and understand what might be at play. Armed with this knowledge, you can take … [Read more...] about Understanding Common Shoulder Injuries: Causes and Symptoms
How to Treat and Prevent Shin Splints: Effective Tips and Exercises for Relief
Shin splints are a common overuse injury that can significantly impact athletes before, during, and after their season. This condition, which often leads to debilitating pain, can force athletes to take a break from training and hinder their performance. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes of shin splints—such as excessive activity, poor ankle mobility, and calf tightness—are essential for effective prevention and management. Here’s how athletes can reduce their risk of developing shin splints: Gradually Increase Mileage: To avoid shin splints, it’s crucial to increase your … [Read more...] about How to Treat and Prevent Shin Splints: Effective Tips and Exercises for Relief
Enhance Your Performance: Discover the Benefits of Improved Ankle Mobility
Ankle mobility is a cornerstone of an effective training regimen, vital for anyone looking to enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries. Every sport demands some degree of ankle flexibility, and limitations in this area can significantly hinder your abilities. Understanding Ankle Mobility Ankle mobility refers to the range of motion and flexibility of the ankle joint and surrounding muscles and tendons. Enhanced ankle flexibility allows for a broader range of motion during physical activities, leading to improved performance and reduced injury risk. The Importance of Ankle … [Read more...] about Enhance Your Performance: Discover the Benefits of Improved Ankle Mobility
Optimizing Athlete Performance: The Power of Unilateral Training
In the realm of sports, athletes engage in a myriad of activities, many of which are unilateral in nature. This means that these sports predominantly utilize one side of the body over the other. Examples include field hockey, lacrosse, baseball, tennis, softball, golf, and bowling, where one arm or leg takes precedence in performance. While traditional high school training programs often emphasize compound exercises like bench presses, deadlifts, power cleans, and squats, solely relying on these can lead to imbalances within the athlete's structure. The problem with a compound-focused … [Read more...] about Optimizing Athlete Performance: The Power of Unilateral Training