What is Sports Performance Training? The idea behind sports performance training is to train the athlete in the specific sport that they are the most passionate about. Not only will we train them for their sport but also for their specific position within that sport. Take football for example: the offensive linemen are trained differently than the defensive backs. Likewise, hockey forwards are trained differently than the goaltenders.
How will this be done? All areas of training and performance, no matter what the sport is, will be well balanced and appropriate for each athlete. We begin with an initial, general assessment. Here we will be able to see if there are any postural imbalances, overactive or underactive muscle groups, non-optimal joint ranges of motion, weaknesses in strength, low levels of flexibility and low cardiorespiratory scores. We understand that optimal results can only occur from a well-rounded, balanced athlete who competes as one complete unit. However, since most sports and positions have different emphases which are dictated by how each game is played, we at Ironside Fitness and Sports Training do additional assessments. The assessments will be specifically tailored to each athlete's sport and position. As an example, a Track & Field shot putter does not need to do a one-mile run assessment because the functions of this event do not demand a middle distance cardiorespiratory challenge. Instead, this shot putter needs a maximum short burst of power so this will be tested in that assessment. Both the general and specific sport assessments will be used as a baseline from which further assessments will be completed to evaluate the progress and the speed of that progress for each athlete. The data collection and evaluations are critical to the modifications for each program so the path to success can be determined as quickly as possible.
Won't imbalances occur from too many of the same repetitive movements? No, Ironside Fitness and Sports Training uses the National Academy of Sports Medicine's OPT model. This model consists of three stages: stabilization, strength and power. Within each of these stages, six phases of training will be done including stabilization, muscular endurance, strength, maximum strength, power and maximum power. The exercises within each phase will have various components that include: flexibility, cardiorespiratory training, balance, agility, quickness, linear speed, strength and power. These exercises are built in progressions so the athlete can handle the higher demands that each sport requires. Additionally, the program design for each athlete consists of several other factors besides the specific sport, position within that sport and the assessments. They include: the age of the athlete, how long they have been participating in their sport, their exercising experience, medical history, nutritional habits, goals, reasons for those goals, what season their sport is in and when their training program begins. For example, when the season of the sport is over there is post-season, then an off-season, followed by a pre-season, peak and a maintenance period. Therefore, the program design will change based on all of these factors, so imbalances and too many repetitive movements will not occur.
What types of athletes has Ironside trained? We at Ironside Fitness and Sports Training have had many different athletes train with us over the years. These athletes have participated in football, hockey, baseball, basketball, golf, field hockey, softball, lacrosse, volleyball, soccer, tennis, equestrian jumping and dressage, swimming, skiing, track and field events and surfing.
