Building strength in the upper back can lead to improvements in many different lifts, as well as increased shoulder stability and overall shoulder health. For younger athletes, incorporating upper back strengthening exercises that also involve core stability can be tremendously beneficial. Pictured is Luke Church, 18 year old senior at Cheverus High School, demonstrating a …
Agility Ladders
The agility ladder is a tool used by many trainers, coaches, and parents who want their kids to be the next best athlete at whatever sport they play. Similar to many tools for athletes, there is a time and a place for using any piece of equipment. A lot of coaches and parents think the …
Nutritious Pancakes
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Keep it nutritious with the recipes below. BANANA PANCAKES Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS 2 large, ripe bananas 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon PREPARATION In a bowl, mash bananas. Mix in the egg, then vanilla and cinnamon. Pour pancake batter in ¼ cup …
Athlete Shout out!
Congratulations to Aiddin Hayes for successfully leveling up in strength class this week. Aiddin’s dedication and hard work is impressive to all the coaches and other athletes that interact with him. Aiddin is exactly the type of athlete a coach loves to work with and we have no doubt he will have plenty of success …
Fat vs. Muscle
Muscle is more metabolically active than fat, which means that muscle burns more calories than fat while you are at rest. One pound is one pound, but the composition of that one pound is very important. Pound for pound muscle takes up less space than fat. Muscle is more dense than fat. Muscle takes up …
The Importance of Core Training
Core Training is essential to developing a great athlete. A strong core: Leads to a stiffer torso that will help with heavier lifts (Torso Stiffness). This is great for increasing the weights for a deadlift or squat. Allows for better transfer of kinetic energy through the Hips, Torso and Shoulder – a requirement for any …
Periodization for Teenage Athletes
Eric Cressey himself breaks it down in this article, and how a teenage athlete should be training in the gym during their off season. Periodization for Teenage Athletes: Part 1
What Age Should My Child Start A Lifting Program?
If you are having trouble determining what age your child should start lifting, and the injuries that could be associated with a lifting program, check out this article by Squat University to find some of those answers.
Do You Have Knee Pain?
Check this article by Aaron Horschig and Kevin Sonthana from Squat University, to see what you can do to help and fix it.
Power of the Mind: Fear of Failure
Three years ago, I started training and working with people in a fitness environment, since then I have learned a lot about the mental side of exercise and the influence that belief has on being successful. When I was in college, my baseball coach would punish us for saying “I can’t.” I think at the …
Preventing Injury for Youth Athletes
Check out these 9 key points to prevent injury for youth athletes from the NSCA. https://www.nsca.com/education/articles/infographics/injury-prevention-in-youth-athletes/
Athlete of the Month
AGE: 11 GRADE: 5th SCHOOL: Cape Elizabeth Middle School DREAM JOB: Trainer at OA FAVORITE COLLEGE/PRO TEAM: New England Patriots FAVORITE HEALTHY FOOD: Strawberries LIST ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5th Grade High Honor Roll What sports/events/hobbies do you participate in? Field Hockey, Softball, Skiing, Art, Working Out! What are your goals to achieve this year? Improve my batting …