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 […]

Training the Female Volleyball Player: Q&A with Donnie Maib

Volleyball consists of dynamic, multi-directional movements in a confined space.  The physical demands include reacting, accelerating, jumping, landing, pivoting, decelerating, and hitting.  Therefore, the physical preparation of the volleyball player should consider aspects of vertical and horizontal training, rotational movements, and upper body strength to improve on-court performance and also decrease the risk of knee […]

You Can’t Fire a Cannon From a Canoe: Training the Lower Body

By Joe Eisenmann, PhD “You can’t fire a cannon from a canoe.” “Don’t build on sand.” “Build the foundation of the house before you put up the walls.” In the context of athletics, these analogies highlight the importance of lower body strength as a foundation to athletic performance. Indeed, several studies have shown that lower […]

Basketball Conditioning: Converting Existing Lifting Platforms to Jump Training Stations

By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS Basketball conditioning has always emphasized some of aspect of vertical training to improve jumping ability.  Although the long-term goal of the individual is to ‘dunk’ the basketball, many times the ability to leave the earth by just a few extra inches (or centimeters) is sufficient.  Basketball consists of many […]