Squat Smarter, Not Harder: The Squat-X Cord Advantage Over Rubber Bands

Variable resistance training (VRT) has gained recognition as an effective method to enhance athletic performance by applying elastic resistance bands to traditional weightlifting exercises. The Perform-X Squat-X Cord System exemplifies this concept by integrating cord resistance into the squat movement, offering athletes a more dynamic and challenging workout. This system allows for greater resistance at […]
Cord-loaded Deadlifting – Smart, Simple & Effective – Dead-X Cords

Variable Resistance Training: Enhancing Strength with Bands and Cords In addition to traditional barbell training, many coaches and athletes are incorporating variable resistance training using bands. This method aligns with the Dynamic Effort Method, originally outlined by Russian sports scientist Vladimir Zatsiorsky in Science and Practice of Strength Training and later popularized by Louie Simmons’ […]
The Evolution of the Lifting Platform

The traditional above-ground weightlifting platform is slowly becoming a thing of the past. As more high schools, colleges, and professional strength and conditioning facilities renovate or build new spaces, many are moving away from the classic elevated platforms in favor of inlaid platforms. These platforms, which are level with the surrounding flooring, offer a more […]
Northwestern Leads Way in Innovative Sports Performance

The Innovators One of the objectives of the Northwestern Sports Performance program is to “strive to be leaders in the industry, providing exemplary service to our student-athletes along with being at the forefront in current advances in the sports performance field.” From this statement, it should be recognized that Director of Sports Performance Jason Pullara […]
The Evolution of the Lifting Platform

By Joe Eisenmann, PhD The days of the above ground weightlifting platform may be a thing of the past. More and more high schools, colleges, and professional strength and conditioning facilities who are either building a new facility or renovating an existing facility are going away from the traditional above ground lifting platform and […]
3 Optimal Devices for Running Speed Improvement

By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS There will most likely never be a magic pill or potion that miraculously makes humans rich, good-looking, athletic, thin, or famous. But, can there be a magic ‘tool’ to make humans run faster? Most likely NOT, but the question has been contemplated since the first Olympic Games in […]
Cord-Loaded Olympic Lifting: Suggestions and Key Points for Strength and Conditioning Coaches

By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS Olympic weight lifting has been utilized in most resistance training venues catering towards improvements in athletic performance. Often referred to as the most sophisticated and technical resistance training exercises, Olympic weight lifting tends to be assigned to athletes with many years of resistance training experience who are under the […]
Cord-Loaded Deadlifts using The Trak-X™ System

By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS The Deadlift is one of the most implemented weight lifting movements for improving strength and power. The muscle groups of the low back, glutes, and hamstrings, commonly known as the ‘posterior chain’, have numerous effects on the majority of athletic movements and are deemed key training areas for […]
Lateral Training for Improving Forward Sprinting Velocity

By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS The running motion predominantly occurs in the sagittal plane, which is the plane in which forward and backward movements of the body and body segments occur. So why should we talk about ‘lateral training’ with forward sprinting velocity? Many muscle groups associated with optimal forward sprinting can be stimulated […]