Youth and Calisthenics Part II

In Part I, I had mentioned our youth’s maximizing their body-weight calisthenics for athletic development.  What exactly are calisthenics? Interestingly enough, calisthenics comes from the Greek, kallos meaning‘beauty’ and  sthenos meaning ‘strength’.  Looking at the basic definition of calisthenics it means gymnastic exercises to achieve bodily fitness and grace of movement.  I found this definition […]

A Tribute To An Icon

America lost a fitness icon this week. Jack LaLanne, the Father of U.S. Fitness, passed away of pneumonia on Sunday, January 23rd at the ripe age of 96. For years, Jack LaLanne had said, “I can’t die, it would ruin my image.” I love the humor in this quote from a man who defied the […]

Do You Want To Be A Personal Traininer/Strength Coach?

Student and Parent FAQ’s By Brett Klika C.S.C.S. One of the great things about working with youngsters is that I get to see them grow up.  Many of the athletes we work with at Fitness Quest 10 are with us through middle school, high school, and college.  As many parents lament at how “time flies” […]

2011- Your Best Year Yet

I am a true believer. Each Christmas I notice everything printed with Believe or I Believe. Cards, calendars, ornaments, pillows – you’ve probably seen as much as I have or more. Well, I do believe. I believe in positive energy. I believe in persistence and mental toughness. I believe in myself and in others. I […]

4 TRX Partner Moves

Here are 4 TRX movements we came up with that require a partner. FAI recommends one unit per person; however, we felt these were safe, effective alternatives that we incorporate on occasion to infuse a little competition and a lot of fun. Here is a brief breakdown on the 4 exercises: 1. TRX Suspended Burpee […]

Mass Building During Off-season Training, Females Not Exempt

When it comes down to becoming a stronger athlete, nutrition plays a primary role.  In order for our tissues to move heavier loads they must get larger.  In order for this appreciable gain in size to occur, our tissues must get in enough calories to provide for our daily training, practice, and other life demands.   […]

Proper Nutrition Advice For Athletes

This month, I had the opportunity to answer some athlete training and nutrition questions from Craig Lane at Boise State University.  As coaches, teachers, and parents, we are often faced with many nutrition issues with our young athletes.  For the record, my nutritional advice is based on research, experience, and practical knowledge that comes from […]

Fab Five Finishers for MMA Conditioning

If you’ve ever witnessed or participated in a metabolic circuit designed for combat athletes, you’ve seen hard core. You’ve seen guys pushed to their physical limits. You’ve seen tire flips, prowler pushes, and ground & pound drills. You may have even seen some guys on their knees reaching for the nearest bucket. There are many […]

The 4 C’s of Coaching Young Athletes

One thing I enjoy being as a strength coach is being able to train young athletes. Over the past 5 ½ years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to train many young athletes at all levels. What I have come to realize, is there is a lot more that goes into training young athletes […]

Youth Kids and The Transformation Into An Athlete

It is my understanding that most youth are driven by what somebody tells them to do, i.e. their coach, parent, or teacher. This is understandable because youth can be socially and physically immature. However, it is also my understanding the advice that some, if not most coaches are telling their youths regarding physical development is […]