At Hardbody Athlete, we understand that no two athletes are the same. That’s why we take individual program design seriously, especially when it comes to training our high school and college athletes. Our approach is meticulous, ensuring each workout not only boosts performance but also prioritizes safety and effectiveness. Here’s an inside look at how we craft personalized training regimens that cater to the unique needs of each athlete.
Building a Strong Foundation
For novice athletes, simplicity and consistency are key. Starting with basic movements allows athletes to build confidence and skill without the risk of injury. For instance, before introducing complex exercises like the back squat, we assess an athlete’s mobility and motor control. This evaluation ensures that we choose exercises that are appropriate for their current level.
In cases where a traditional back squat isn’t suitable, we might adjust the type of squat, modify the equipment (such as changing the barbell or adding heel elevation), or tweak the coaching cues and tempo of the exercise. These tailored adjustments help us load the muscles effectively while maintaining a safe range of motion.
Progressing with Precision
As athletes master the basics, we introduce them to more advanced concepts. One innovative approach we use alternates between high-repetition and low-repetition sets. This method is rarely taught at the high school level but is crucial for addressing the gap in size and strength that often affects performance. Depending on the athlete’s goals—whether it’s gaining muscle mass, losing fat, or enhancing bodyweight strength—we make slight modifications to the program to align with their specific needs.
Adapting to the Athlete’s Schedule
The timing of training sessions is also crucial. An athlete’s training schedule varies significantly depending on whether they are in their sport’s season. For in-season athletes, the intensity and volume of workouts are adjusted to prevent overtraining and to optimize performance on game days. For example, if an athlete comes in exhausted from an intense AAA session, we might reduce the intensity of their planned workout to avoid injury and aid recovery.
Using Data to Drive Decisions
We continually monitor data such as jump metrics and recovery scores to tailor daily workout intensities. This real-time adjustment helps us make informed decisions that keep our athletes progressing without risking burnout or injury.
The Importance of Context
What might seem like minor details from the outside—such as the type of squat or the adjustment of a workout’s intensity—are actually critical components of our tailored training programs. Understanding the context of each athlete’s physical condition, schedule, and goals allows us to optimize their training regimen.
At Hardbody Athlete, we pride ourselves on not just training athletes, but on educating and developing them for future success, both in and out of the sporting arena. By providing personalized, context-driven training programs, we ensure that each athlete can achieve their best performance, safely and effectively. This personalized approach not only helps bridge any gaps in physical development but also instills lifelong habits that will serve them well throughout their athletic careers.