Weightlifting belts have been a staple in the weight room for many years, especially for athletic populations. They are extremely popular in power lifting and often used in Olympic lifting as well. The main reason they are used is to increase intra-abdominal pressure, forming a strong core that supports and stabilizes the inter-vertebral disks. This →
As strength coaches, we are always seeking out training equipment that can maximize training efficiency. One of the best Jack-of-all-trades tools to accomplish multiple fitness goals simultaneously is the farmer’s walk bar. The farmer’s walk bar will efficiently: Increase grip and upper trapezius strengthIncrease core strength (particularly the quadratus lumborum and the internal oblique)Strengthen the →
Using a repetition range training system for high school athletes is a great way to increase strength performance. In addition, it establishes the proper training mindset. Through systematic goal-setting and periodization of workouts, athletes can focus their workouts on effort. But it isn’t just about max effort—it is about the work that goes into the →
If you’re looking to help your clients/athletes develop speed a great assessment to use to establish a programming baseline is the Standing Long Jump Test. The Standing Long Jump (also called the Broad Jump) test measures lower-body horizontal explosiveness and/or power. For this test you would usually have to lay down tape in your facility →
The Gopher Performance Detonate VariBar multi-grip bar is a great accessory bar that pronates the lifter’s grip 90 degrees so the palms face each other. This rotated grip takes stress off the shoulders during presses, bent-over rows, and more, reducing the chance of injury. It involves the hands and wrists more as stabilizers for most →
The inverted row is a classic back exercise that has been shown to be a very efficient, all-around exercise to hit the back muscles, including the Latissimus dorsi (lats), rhomboids, trapeziuses, and biceps depending on hand grip. It's a great way to help balance out a typical workout that is chest or pressing heavy. The →
It has been said that speed kills, but what kills speed? Fatigue kills speed. You may be the fastest skater, but if you get tired faster than other players, you will soon be the slowest. You may be the most powerful athlete, but when you get tired, you will be the weakest. This allowed Muhammed →
In the off-season, if athletes train and participate in our Accelerated Performance Nutrition, we have athletes that can put on 10 pounds of fat-free mass in 10 weeks or less. In fact, we have had many athletes put on 16 pounds in 16 weeks or less. To make rapid changes to an athlete’s muscle mass, →
In the world of athletics, everything starts with movement. An athlete’s ability to move in different planes is critical to their personal health and success as well as the success of their training program. Functional movement screening (FMS) is a process used to evaluate seven fundamental movement patterns executed by athletes without musculoskeletal injuries to →
