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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
