LaDainian Tomlinson–ONE OF THE BEST TO EVER PLAY THE GAME Today is a bitter-sweet day. I feel nostalgic. I feel sad. I feel proud. It’s a day I knew was coming but never really wanted to acknowledge. Today, LaDainian Tomlinson retired from the NFL. To me, LT was much more than just a football player. […]
By Brett Klika C.S.C.S. Director of Athletics, Fitness Quest 10 Every day, big, fast, and strong athletes are working to be bigger, faster, stronger, so they can one day be the biggest, fastest, and strongest. The process of working towards athletic success is one of constantly addressing strengths and weaknesses, and striving to get better. […]
Push-ups are probably the most commonly used bodyweight strength callisthenic whether you are working with kids, adults, or pro athletes. They can be done anywhere and are highly effective for building upper body strength and endurance. However, in my work with kids, I am finding that fewer and fewer boys and girls are able to […]
As I write this, my 1RM on the deadlift is 385 lbs (stop snickering). My 3RM on weighted pull-ups is bodyweight plus 105 lbs. I would say my pull-up numbers are respectable, the deadlift numbers, not so much. I’m hoping a couple months of Jim Wendler’s “5/3/1 training program” will help. My goal? I would […]
Justin Russ, CPT I was having a conversation with one of the Fitness Quest 10 athletes the other day and one part in particular stood out to me. He looked me and my colleagues in the eyes and said, “This is why I train the way I do. This is why I become a demon […]
-Cara Regas I recently returned from a whirlwind of traveling… two trips to Hawaii for relatives’ weddings in three weeks! It was awesome to be constantly outdoors: playing, working out and enjoying the islands. While I was there, I got the opportunity to speak to a local triathlete (we will call her Ann). Ann lives […]
Just two weeks ago, someone asked me (for the umpteenth time) if I ever get mad. I responded to the question in my opening letter for our Fitness Quest 10 Insider telling about a particularly chaotic evening when our three young children clearly outnumbered me, and my wife, Melanie. I was totally frustrated that night. […]
Brett Klika C.S.C.S. For many youngsters, summer is a time for “free time.” No school, homework, or daily structure. It’s truly time to “be a kid.” Ah, the carefree days of being a kid… doing mom’s list of chores, playing every ball (real and made up) game with the neighbor kids, riding bikes, and getting […]
“You can’t out-train a bad diet”. Without a doubt, it’s one of my all time favorite quotes. My clients hear it daily. I will not stop using it. It rings true and I need my clients to hear my voice in their head stating that phrase when they consider hitting up the fast food joint […]
There’s no surprise in the fact that I spend time each and every day talking with people about their goals. After all, as a trainer and performance coach, that’s what I do. Normally, I love this part of my work. I like nothing better than to see my clients, teammates and friends succeed. You might […]
By Jeff King, C.S.C.S., Fitness Quest 10 Being a member of training staff at Fitness Quest 10 I sit back and ponder what makes our athletic programs unique and stand out from others around the country? I began to think about my own training philosophy towards young kids and what I try to implement with […]
Here are 5 TRX movements we utilize that involve alternating between two exercises. You will perform one rep of one exercise followed by one rep of another exercise and continue to alternate back and forth for the desired number of reps. Using the interchanging sequence requires a bit more coordination and core stability. We use […]
A navy battleship was in stormy waters when they spotted the light of what appeared to be another vessel in the distance. The ship’s captain made radio contact with orders for the other vessel to change their course. “Negative” was the reply. “We recommend you change your course 15 degrees south to avoid a collision.” […]
By Doug Balzarini, Personal Trainer, Fitness Quest 10 I love telling my client or athlete that we are going to hit the “core” hard and then walk them over to the pull-up bar for pulls or the trap bar for sets of deadlifts. I cringe every time I hear someone say that it’s time to […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 10, 2011 Contact: Kyle Sandsmark Director of Marketing, Fitness Quest 10 Phone: 858-271-1171 Fax: 858-271-4181 ksandsmark@fitnessquest10.com www.FitnessQuest10.com Super Bowl Winning Quarterbacks and MVPs Aaron Rodgers And Drew Brees Share Two Things In—A Drive for a Super Bowl Victory & the Same Performance Coach San Diego—Super Bowl QB Aaron Rodgers has just […]
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 […]
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” […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
by Ryan Burgess Baseball may still be America’s pastime, but professional football is America’s passion. Every Sunday the attention of an entire nation is locked on the NFL and the jaw-dropping athleticism of its players. Sunday can be an excuse for people to sit around eating like pigs and drinking like fish. While those around […]
What Gets You In the Game? Brett Klika C.S.C.S. I was having a conversation with a very successful local basketball coach the other day. He was sharing insight he had learned from an NBA scout in regards to assessing talent. When a scout assesses a player, it is not merely a matter of “they’re good” […]
By Doug Balzarini, C.S.C.S., Strength and Conditioning Coach, Fitness Quest 10 (San Diego, CA) Trying to convince a combat athlete that thoracic spine mobility drills will help him in the octagon is like trying to convince my girlfriend that size doesn’t matter (talking arm size of course). These athletes want to be faster, stronger, and […]
By: Brett Klika, C.S.C.S. Director of Athletics, Fitness Quest 10 “What can we do at home to make our son or daughter a better athlete?” This is one of the most common questions I come across with parents. For the sake of this discussion, “at home” means things that are done outside of professionally supervised […]
I had been working with an athlete for several weeks in a traditional one-on-one setting and recently began to notice that his strength, energy levels, and overall intensity were down. In a recent session, I could sense early on in our mobility work that he was just going through the motions. Perhaps my teaching cues […]
Creating Fun, Effective Workouts For Your Athletes By Brett Klika, Fitness Quest 10 How do you go about designing a workout program that would challenge athletes and get them in peak shape? How do you design programs that are creative, effective, and are still fun? Especially college and pro athletes. That is definitely the “million […]
Recently, www.Active.com came to Fitness Quest 10 for a video shoot to see how trainers from one of America’s Top 10 Gyms (Men’s Health Magazine), trains their athletes. For the next several issues of the TD Times we will show you different exercises we use to prepare our athletes to perform at the highest level. […]
Looking for a way to keep your arm strong all season long? Here is a series of shoulder workouts from Todd Durkin of Fitness Quest 10 using the TRX that are ideal for keeping baseball players strong and flexible. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS VIDEO Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, is a personal trainer and massage […]
Are you looking for ways to improve your performance? In this context, I am talking about your performance at work, at home, and with your health. If you indeed are trying to improve your energy, productivity, and overall effectiveness, I have provided 10 sure-fire ways to maximize your overall performance. * Focus, focus, focus—Sometimes it […]
When I first found out about Fitness Quest 10 I knew it was a place that anyone in the fitness world would love to visit. You look at their website and the video pops up on the screen with kids, adults, and even NFL and MLB players doing exercises on equipment that you have never […]
As a strength and conditioning coach, I work with many young basketball players and one common question that parents and coaches frequently ask me is what can be done to improve their son’s, daughter’s or athlete’s vertical jump? Every time this question is raised, two thoughts come to my mind. First: I want to show […]
Here’s the link to Part I which highlighted two critical questions to ask yourself as a student-athlete: 1. What type of college experience am I looking for? 2. What are your key college decision factors? In Part II you will steps to realistically evaluate yourself as a student-athlete. Attention student-athletes: Have you ever asked yourself: […]
There’s no better time than the offseason to get in peak shape for the football games awaiting you this fall. For quarterbacks, that means strengthening the parts of your body that will be used the most in games. To throw the ball stronger and more accurately–while preventing debilitating injuries–shoulder workouts during the downtime are crucial. […]
Resistance training – and I don’t mean “resisting” training – means going back to the basics. Picture yourself doing high school physical education kinds of exercises (based on using your bodyweight as resistance) and there you have it. Resistance training is a common phrase in the fitness world. By definition, resistance training is a form […]
Fitness Quest 10 personal trainer Doug Balzarini performing eight bodyweight training exercises designed to target every major muscle group in the body. To increase resistance Balzarini added a stability ball, resistance tubes and a weighted medicine ball, which are fairly inexpensive purchases at a sporting goods store. The video includes pointers on correct form and […]
One question I love to ask my clients is “What drives you to be great?” Regardless of whether it is a champion athlete, successful entrepreneur, or a hard-working professional, I find the answers are often similar. Regardless of your business, dreams, and desires, let’s use the traits of a champion and apply them to our […]
As a valued member of Fitness Quest 10, we wanted to bring you the good news. Fitness Quest 10 has decided to announce a member referral program. Starting May 3- 31st we have created an opportunity for you to play an integral role in our summer camp program. Here’s how it works: Think of some […]
Playing soccer is a great way to keep fit. Unfortunately, the competitive fitness and athletic demands for the game can contribute to injury as we get older. If you are an adult soccer player and struggle with nagging injuries or a lack of fitness, this program is for you. Learn new practical strategies to prevent […]
Whether your son or daughter is an athlete or they want to be active, it is important that they learn to “Play Their B.E.S.T.!” This one-week camp is designed to teach youngsters skills and drills to improve their athleticism and overall fitness while having fun! Marshall Middle School Fitness and Athleticism Week goes from June […]
By: Todd Durkin This article is all about YOU. In a world that is often over-stressed and over-run by “things to do”, I invite you to take control of your life and make a difference NOW. If you are working a ton, facing adversity, feeling over-whelmed or feeling out of balance, the purpose of this […]
Pushing past your limits of comfort can be detrimental to your long term fitness plans. While working hard can result in some muscle soreness, you need to listen to your body and act quickly to prevent postponing your personal fitness goals. This article will focus on the shoulder and some common issues that affect this […]
I’m often faced with the question “When should my son or daughter start lifting weights?” Parents are often surprised at my response. “Weight training” in youth has been made into a complex enigma based on old urban myths, overzealous, uneducated parents and coaches, and fruitless convention. When one stops to evaluate what weight training is […]
Do you remember the movie, Top Gun? It’s one of my all-time favorites (besides Rocky, of course), full of action, passion and love. There is a scene near the beginning when Maverick and Goose pick up Charlie (played by Kelly McGillis) in a bar by singing, “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling.” The energy and sparkle […]
On Easter Sunday, southern California experienced a 7.2 earthquake. The epicenter was approximately 100 miles away in Mexico. I have lived in California for 12 years now and I have never felt anything like it. My family and I were at home, coming downstairs, when we felt the earthquake start. We all hustled into the living room and waited as it got worse […]
Fitness Quest 10 will be offering a sports-specific speed, strength, and conditioning camps specifically for Scripps Ranch Field Hockey team. This is separate from the other Fitness Quest 10 programs offered for summer. Athletes can attend up to four two hour sessions each week. At least two sessions per week are recommended. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuvlz-7zr7c] ALL Scripps […]
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is here to stay. Increased TV time, Pay-per-view success, major partnerships and sponsorships in place; this MMA “fad” isn’t going away. We are beginning to see the popularity of this sport effect the fitness industry as well. From the professional fighter to the casual fight fan, more and more clients are […]
It seems these days that “hope” is en vogue. I hear many people talking about how they “hope” to keep their job, “hope” to get more clients, “hope” the economy rebounds, or “hope” they’ll be in a better place in a year or two. Some of these people have crystal clear visions of what it […]
“I work out 5 times a week and eat well but I am not getting the results I want.” Does this sound like you? As a Coach at Fitness Quest 10 (www.FitnessQuest10.com) in San Diego, people come to me everyday looking for answers as to why they are not getting the results they strive to achieve. […]
Remember hearing about all those studies telling the world that chocolate milk is the best post workout recovery drink? Sounds pretty good; after all who doesn’t like a big glass of cold, thick, chocolate milk to congratulate themselves on a workout well done? So what exactly are the advantages of this classic drink over all […]
The world we live in today accepts health as being multidimensional – a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being as defined by the World Health Organization. To maintain physical health, individuals must eat right and exercise regularly. Mental health requires low stress levels and regular intellectual challenges. Social well-being involves sustaining both an […]
When most people imagine raw foods and what a raw foods diet must entail, they probably don’t think of a high-energy diet that could sustain the large amount of physical activity and exercise that athletes undergo. Raw foods is a concept that a growing group of people in America have incorporated into their diets in the […]
Fitness Quest 10 exists to motivate, educate, and inspire people to reach optimal levels of performance and balance in life. Our expert and passionate team is driven to transform lives by empowering people to reach their full potential. It is the goal of this blog to help accomplish this mission. You will find fun and […]
