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 […]

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 […]

How to Launch a Human Rocket: The Jump-X

By Jason Avedesian, MS, CSCS, PhD Candidate @ UNLV Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (Biomechanics) A previous blog addressed the importance of developing lower body strength and power for athletic performance and reducing the risk of injury.  Strength and conditioning coaches can utilize a variety of techniques such as barbell or dumbbell training, bodyweight exercises, resistance cords, […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]