Sports-Specific Testing and Physiological Profiling
The physiological demands of each sport can be broken down into two fundamental categories: metabolic and biomechanical. Metabolic demands refer to the energy systems that are used to provide fuel to the contracting muscles and biomechanical demands refer to the movement pattern, range-of-motion, force, and power demands of a sports-specific task. These underlying demands can be evaluated in an objective context through a series of standardized performance tests designed to assess each component individually. The outcome measures of these performance tests are then compared to normative values for athletes engaged in sports at a similar level of play (high school, college, professional, etc). These comparisons can then be used to determine proficient and deficient physiological aspects of your sports performance.
The outcome measures from the testing, along with the proficiencies and deficiencies uncovered are used to construct your sports-specific physiological profile. This physiological profile is utilized for the purposes forecasting prospective level play (capability to play a given level of sport such as the DI, II, or III college level), determining training objectives and exercise program design. Under the guidance of a trained AFS Strength & Conditioning Coach you will determine training objectives designed to dramatically improve your physiological capacity to perform your sports-specific activity. These training objectives along with the outcome measures of your performance testing will be used to construct a strength and conditioning program specifically designed to achieve your performance enhancement goals in the most efficient manner possible. Quarterly re-administration of the performance testing protocols will allow you and your Strength Coach to gauge the effectiveness of your training protocol, make necessary modifications to the overall program based on your body's physiological responses to training, and establish new training objectives to strive for. Schedule a consultation today.
Sports-Specific Performance Enhancement Programs
Each and every sport has its own specific metabolic and biomechanical performance demands as well as injury predispositions. A scientifically valid and effective performance enhancement protocol addresses all of the physiological aspects of a given sports-specific (such as speed, strength, quickness, agility, power, endurance, size, etc) in precise proportions necessary to excel in that sport. Furthermore, as each athlete has his or her own unique physiological makeup and performance capacities it is imperative that the performance enhancement program aggressively addresses the athlete's physiological weakness, while maintaining his or her strengths.
The cornerstone of your sports-specific performance enhancement program is the administration of testing protocol that evaluates your ability to perform various physiological tasks associated with a given sport. Once administered this allows your AFS Strength & Conditioning Coach to construct a sports-specific needs analysis, which will guide the development of your performance enhancement program. Your Strength Coach will delicately balance training for speed, quickness, agility with strength and power training combined with conditioning drills; all designed to dramatically enhance your ability perform your sports-specific skills during competition. Flexibility and injury prevention exercises will be incorporated throughout your training program to ensure you remain healthy as you performance abilities improve. Schedule a consultation today.
Marathon and Half-Marathon Program
The science of training endurance athletes is evolving at a rapid rate and the metabolic, physiological, and biomechanical demands of running long distances are becoming better understood. An Applied Fitness Solutions Strength & Conditioning Coach will utilize this knowledge to construct a comprehensive marathon/half-marathon preparatory protocol specifically designed to assist you in crossing the finish line as quickly as possible.
The basis for your preparatory program will be a series of performance assessments administered by your Strength & Conditioning Coach. Typical assessments may include; VO2 Max Estimation, Lactate Threshold Testing, Gait Analysis, Movement/Flexibility Screens, Strength, Endurance, and Power Testing. These assessments will allow your Strength Coach to determine deficient aspects of your endurance which could prevent you from achieving your goal time or lead to injury. Your program will first address any potential deficiencies uncovered during testing and then begin to incorporate strength, speed, and power training along with traditional tempo, interval, and long runs that will progressively build you toward your peak performance capacity for the day of your race. Nutrition will be addressed throughout your program and specific attention will be given to pre-race and during race nutritional strategies to minimize fatigue and maximize energy levels. Schedule a consultation today.