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 […]
Resistance Applications for Plyometrics

Improving power for athletic performance is an ongoing focus in training programs, where a variety of methods and tools are employed—from traditional strength training to more innovative devices designed to introduce resistance into an athlete’s movement patterns. Plyometrics have become a valuable addition to strength training, contributing a “speed-strength” element that complements traditional weightlifting practices. […]
Variable Resistance Training In Advanced High School Athletics

Strength training is an essential part of developing high school athletes. One effective method that has caught the attention of coaches is the use of variable resistance training. This approach involves the addition of bands to create added resistance, and research has shown that it can lead to significant improvements in overall strength. In this […]
Adapt, Evolve, Thrive: 4 Key Performance Trends for Coaches and Trainers in 2024

The world of training and fitness is always evolving. Advancements in technology, expert knowledge, and cultural shifts all play a role in how things change year to year. As trusted guides for exercisers of all levels, it’s important for strength coaches and trainers to understand the latest performance trends and tailor their programs to meet […]
Why Coaches Are Fired Up about Perform-X

Interview with Nick Reese Resistance cord training with Perform-X is great because it offers coaches and trainers nearly unlimited possibilities for customization, combination, and configuration to fit the unique goals and needs of their athletes and facilities. But once these possibilities are realized in your training environment, what are the benefits for you and your […]
What’s So Great About Resistance Cord Training? Possibility.

Interview with Nick Reese Resistance bands have been around for a while—over 100 years, in fact. Known for their light weight, affordability, and simple functionality, they’re a staple in most gyms, fitness centers, and physical therapy offices. And yet, it’s not a stretch to say that the full potential of resistance cord training hasn’t been […]
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 […]
An Innovative Approach to Cord-loaded Deadlifting

Besides traditional training methods using the barbell, many coaches and athletes are adding resistance with bands– known as variable resistance training. This method of training aligns with the Dynamic Effort method outlined by Russian sport scientist Vladimir Zatsiorsky in Science and Practice of Strength Training and also popularized by Louie Simmons’ Westside Barbell method of […]
Variable Resistance Training in Advanced High School Athletes

Training with bands as added resistance – known as variable resistance or accommodating resistance – has become popular in strength and conditioning. Recently, a comprehensive scientific review article (summarized in a previous blog) noted that variable resistance training appears to offer some superior advantages in producing the greatest comprehensive strength adaptations compared to other methods […]
FOCUS ON RESEARCH: Variable Resistance Training improves Upper Body Strength & Power

The bench press is the cornerstone exercise for developing upper body strength and power, especially for sports that include contact such as football, rugby and wrestling. As athletes get stronger, it is common to reach a plateau in 1RM bench press. This is often experienced in the ‘‘sticking point’’ region as they ascend during the […]