EXERCISE AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

Not many years ago, coaches thought that lifting weights would hurt speed, agility, and quickness. Everyone now recognizes that strength and conditioning programs are critical to maximal athletic performance. Every serious athlete - from Tiger Woods and Ray Lewis to Mia Hamm and Jennifer Capriati - strength trains.

But they all don't do the same workout - for two very important reasons.

• Training should be sports specific. They participate in very different sports so they train very differently.

• Every program should be individually designed. They are unique individuals who bring their own body types, exercise background, injury histories, and specific goals and objectives with them.

All athletes need strength and agility. But while football emphasizes strength and quickness, soccer and lacrosse place a premium on endurance. Participants in cheerleading and gymnastics can particularly benefit from core training; and basketball and volleyball players need jumping ability. Every sport has its unique requirements.

How much progress can you expect? Anyone who has not been doing resistance training can probably increase their strength by 50% within three months, and double their strength within a year. This sounds quite dramatic, and it is dramatic in its impact on athletic performance, but it is an easy statement for us to make, because based on the results our clients get, it is actually quite conservative, particularly for younger people.

What is the best way to get started? Sports medicine has made tremendous advances, especially in the last 10 years, and there is a lot knowledge that is now available. Working with a personal trainer is clearly the best way to get started correctly. When you work with one of our trainers:

• You can be assured of a safe and effective workout based on proper technique. Improper mechanics can easily result in muscle imbalance and injury.

• We will keep you motivated and challenged.

• You will get all of your questions answered by a highly qualified professional.

Personal Training Associates bring together a group of outstanding trainers. We can work with you at out studio in Herndon or we can come to you. We'll begin by asking a series of questions about your health and fitness background; establish with you appropriate set of goals, and then design the ideal program to get you where you need to go.

Our first consultation is free of charge or any obligation. Call 703-481-2323 if you have any questions, or to schedule your first session.