Athletic Conditioning
In the past, I had seen talented individuals have problems in the field. I realize that, in order to develop one's ability to stay on the top level of their sport, merely talent and regular training are not enough. They may be good enough for an average athlete, but definitely not enough for the top player. I had concluded that in order to reach the full potential of the sport, the athlete would need all four of the following:
- Regular training
- Natural talent
- Enthusiasm
- Physical conditioning
Of these four, regular training is dependent solely upon the athlete's level of commitment, while talent and enthusiasm are intangible qualities that one must be born with. For the above four basic elements of becoming the best one can be, physical conditioning plays the most important role for the athlete, as it is the only element that demands sport-specific exercise to improve.
Can stick handling, passing, and shooting make up a good hockey player? Certainly not! The player will also need explosive power on ice as well as high endurance to keep up with or surpass his opponent. In order to improve one's strength, balance, motor skills, speed, reflexes, and power, these attributes may be achieved by the means of sport-specific physical conditioning.
The fact is the same for virtually all other sports. Therefore, I have developed a general program for any athlete involved in any sport, involving the development of the four key attributes of endurance, strength, speed, and reflexes.
Most sports involve using one's own body weight for the exercise. In the program offered, we have the added benefit of training with free weights (light to medium weights of 1lbs to 25lbs), exercise balls for core development, balance exercises, speed drills, stair climbing, and fun reflex games. The class is around an hour and a half. I hope to see you there!