As the NFL Combine approaches, the spotlight is on athleticism, athletic testing, and training methods. For sport coaches, trainers, and strength coaches, knowing how to define, measure, and develop athleticism is essential. This article explores the evolution of athletic testing and how modern technology is reshaping performance training, helping coaches optimize athlete development.
Read MoreLike the human body, Volt is also adaptable.
In response to the changing landscape of life as we know it in the past year, we developed and released Circuit Workouts.
Personally, I have implemented circuit training into my physical activity plan and training schedule. Why? Like many Americans, I’m time-starved. But importantly, I also understand the importance of exercise and physical fitness, and specifically that the added benefits of doing both aerobic endurance exercise and strength training, as opposed to either of the two alone, may be the most effective exercise strategy to reduce risk of chronic disease and premature mortality as reported in a study of >500,000 adults.
Read Moreone thing that has puzzled me for quite some time is why is it that young athletes (or namely, the coaches) strength train in the off- or pre-season to accomplish the goals described above, and then it gets abandoned in-season? Coaches will push for their kids to attend summer workouts, yet dismiss in-season training.
Read MoreA good friend of mine, who is a long-time collegiate strength and conditioning coach, talks about “neck down training” and “neck up coaching.” What he means is that we often focus on training the body from the neck down – arms, legs, core–for physiological adaptations like strength, power and aerobic fitness, but need to coach the athlete through motivation, confidence, self-esteem, positive self-talk, leadership, etc.
This neck up coaching alludes to sport psychology and behavior change–and again, how can we, as coaches, make athletes, clients, etc. believe in themselves, motivate them, etc. I think you see the point here. The mind is a powerful “muscle.”
Read MoreIn our last blog, we provided an overview of returning to sport post-COVID including both general public health guidelines and more specific strength and conditioning recommendations for a safe and effective return to training following inactivity. Here, we will further address a few general principles of returning to training.
Read MoreAs we re-open America and return to what we have started to call “the new normal,” how do we go from at-home body weight workouts and driveway hoops (perhaps inspired by The Last Dance) to assembling with our team to practice, train, compete, and offer friendship? Or for the opportunity to be a spectator or a sports parent and experience the joy of sports?
This question is definitely the hot topic and being asked not only in the sports arena but everywhere else–restaurants, the entertainment industry, schools, the workplace, everywhere.
Read MoreThis may be a good time to re-set and return to the basics. Re-set not only our basic movement patterns and strength training regimen but also slow down; keep it local; re-connect with our neighborhood; play backyard and playground games; find simplicity and solitude; reading; self-assess who we are and what matters; appreciate humanity, etc.
And finally, let’s keep in mind the social connections that humans need to sustain quality of life. Yes, physical activity, strength training, nutrition, sleep, stress reduction and relaxation are all important to health and well-being, but when it comes down to it, the number 1 determinant of happiness and a good life is…positive social relationships.
Read MoreI have never been a CEO or business owner. But, I have been a head coach. I’ve wanted my athletes to feel that every practice or training session was efficient and productive. I’ve wanted the athletes to be focused and put in 100 percent effort. And, most importantly, I’ve wanted my athletes to get good work done. You hear coaches yell it all the time: “Hey, let’s get to work!”
Hmmm…sounds a lot like a CEO, doesn’t it? Just exchange ‘employees’ for ‘athletes.’
Read MoreI remember hearing in the early days of my academic career “it’s interesting to see how researchers turn their attention to the effects of aging on the cardiovascular system, strength, etc. when they get older.” I’m not here to tell you that I am shifting my focus from pediatric exercise science and youth athletic development to aging. It just happens that I’m a bit more interested personally in aging as I turn the Big 5-0, and get to experience all of age’s great effects!
Read MoreStrength Training—it’s all about biceps, barbells, dumbbells, and meatheads, right? Well, that’s simply wrong!
Strength training is a form of physical activity and exercise that should be part of everyone’s pursuit of health and fitness. Youth. Teens. 20-somethings. Adults. Grandmas and Grandpas. Aunts and Uncles. Athletes. Recreational athletes. Powerlifters. Gym rats. Firefighters. Military. Teachers. Lawyers. Diabetics. Cancer survivors. Small business owners. Software engineers. Everyone!
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