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?
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
Finding Your Fit: Unraveling the Science of Exercise Frequency for Optimal Health and Fitness
Embarking on a journey towards a healthier and fitter lifestyle often prompts a crucial question: How frequently should we exercise for optimal results? The frequency of our workouts plays a pivotal role in shaping our fitness journey. Let's delve into the science behind exercise frequency and uncover the sweet spot for unlocking our bodies' full potential. The Basics of Exercise Frequency: Before delving into the details, it's crucial to grasp the basic principles of exercise frequency. According to the American Heart Association, a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic … [Read more...] about Finding Your Fit: Unraveling the Science of Exercise Frequency for Optimal Health and Fitness
Silver Stride: Empowering Elderly Fitness and Mobility
Aging is a natural and inevitable part of life, but it doesn't mean sacrificing vitality and independence. In fact, maintaining fitness and mobility becomes increasingly crucial as we age. In this blog post, we'll explore the unique benefits and considerations surrounding fitness and mobility for the elderly population, unlocking the keys to a vibrant and active senior life. The Importance of Fitness for Seniors: Aging often brings challenges to the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular health, and overall physical well-being. Regular exercise, tailored to the needs of seniors, becomes a … [Read more...] about Silver Stride: Empowering Elderly Fitness and Mobility
Optimizing Athletic Performance: Unveiling the Mind-Body Connection
In the realm of achieving optimal performance, the profound interplay between the mind and body stands as a cornerstone. This blog post is your guide to unlocking the secrets of peak performance by optimizing the mind-body connection. Let's delve into strategies and insights that will empower you to harness this synergy for unparalleled success in your pursuits. Understanding the Mind-Body Connection: The Foundation of Excellence At the core of optimizing performance lies a deep understanding of the mind-body connection. Explore the intricate network of neural pathways, hormones, and … [Read more...] about Optimizing Athletic Performance: Unveiling the Mind-Body Connection
Unlocking Victory: The Power of Sports Psychology in Achieving Peak Athletic Performance
In the world of sports, where physical prowess often takes the spotlight, the importance of mental fortitude cannot be overstated. This blog post delves into the realm of sports psychology, shedding light on its critical role in enhancing athletic performance and achieving success. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a sports enthusiast, understanding the principles of sports psychology can be a game-changer. 1. Unveiling the Mind-Body Connection Explore the intricate link between mental and physical performance. Learn how sports psychology techniques bridge the gap between mind and … [Read more...] about Unlocking Victory: The Power of Sports Psychology in Achieving Peak Athletic Performance
Fearlessly Flexible: Mastering the Art of Supple Movement
In a world where our bodies are often subjected to long hours of sitting and sedentary lifestyles, maintaining flexibility is crucial for overall health and well-being. Flexibility not only helps prevent injury but also enhances performance in various physical activities. Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes flexibility can lead to increased mobility, improved posture, and a greater sense of physical freedom. Here, we delve into the ways you can unlock your body's potential and achieve a newfound sense of agility and grace. Understanding the Benefits of Flexibility: Delve into the … [Read more...] about Fearlessly Flexible: Mastering the Art of Supple Movement