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 […]
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 […]
How To Turn a Gym Wall into a Training Space

Many high schools across America are tight on gym space, and even tighter on space in the weight room. And because of this second point, some coaches may claim there is not enough time to get to the weight room. Here’s a solution… Turn your gym wall into a training space. “With over 300 students […]
Training the ‘Team of the Decade’: Montverde Academy Boys Basketball

They are a perennial national power claiming multiple national titles. They are coached by the legendary national coach of the year Kevin Boyle and recent high school players of the year Ben Simmons and RJ Barrett have graced the hardwood here. No wonder why USA Today has called Montverde Academy boys basketball “The Team of […]
Inside Pine Crest Swimming Performance Program

This blog is based on a Q&A session with Pine Crest swimming coach Katelyn Miller and strength and conditioning coach Tim Hibbs. For more than 80 years, Pine Crest School has been at the forefront of providing an educational experience rooted in academic rigor and excellence and complemented by outstanding athletics and arts. The main […]
The 750 Club: Bench-Squat-Clean

Many high school and college strength and conditioning programs test the squat, bench press, and clean to evaluate muscular strength and power. These exercises may also form the foundational lifts of the strength training program given that they are compound, large muscle group movements. In terms of testing and assessment, the one-rep max (1-RM) of […]
Tools of the Trade: Trak-Rak

The barbell is arguably the single most important tool when it comes to strength training. However, the centerpiece of most weight rooms is the ‘rack’. These metal cages were originally developed to serve as a mechanical spotter for heavy loads during squatting and hence became known as a “squat cage” or a “squat rack”. However, […]
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 […]
A Checklist for Designing Strength and Conditioning Programs

By Joe Eisenmann, PhD In my role here at Perform-X, I get a chance to ‘coach the coaches’ and also learn from them. These coaches range from volunteer high school coaches with little educational background in strength and conditioning to well-educated and certified strength and conditioning coaches at the high school, collegiate and professional levels […]
5 things to remember for summer workouts

By Joe Eisenmann, PhD This blog serves as a follow-up to a recent tweet, and allows for the opportunity to expand a bit on each key tenet or basic principle of strength and conditioning. Summer offers a two-month window to focus on training and conditioning for many high school coaches & athletes. Of course, […]