ATHLETIC STRENGTH AND POWER

ASAP~ Athletic Strength And Power Podcasts: Illinois Football Coach Ron Zook

Click on the ASAP Logo for today's podcast.

The St. Xavier High School Strength & Conditioning Clinic was a successful event. Carlo Alvarez, who is the strength and conditioning coach of Ohio's reigning #1 football squad, played host to this clinic where Ken Leistner was the Master of Ceremonies and ASAP Director Ted Lambrinides was one of the seminar's speakers.  The  clinic awarded  CEU's  in accordance with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Kicking off the clinic was the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year (2007), Ron Zook of The University of Illinois where he serves as the Head Football Coach. Coach Zook had a very nice presentation along the theme of "Competition" and had some good videos to share which depicted the competitive situations that he gets his players into during the off-season. In fact, after watching that video of the players battling to exhaustion in a truck tire drill, it's easy to see why their nicknamed the "Fightin' Illini".

After his talk, Coach Zook spent some time with ASAP Podcaster Ed Cicale.... discussing a little bit about his days at Miami University (Ohio), known as the "Cradle of Coaches", where the Redskins only lost one game in three seasons while he played defensive back there. Coach also emphasized the importance of the off-season strength training and conditioning program.

Zook coached at several other schools including the University of Cincinnati, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, and Florida before arriving in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. He made a few stops in the NFL, too.

To listen in on today's podcast (6:49), click on the ASAP Podcast Logo above or Coach Zook's photo.

All Rights Reserved   Copyright 2008 ASAP~Athletic Strength And Power

blogpost and podcast by Ed Cicale

Lead in Music: "Somebody" Glenn Frey/ Joe Walsh, Eagles; The Long Road Out of Eden

BGSU Strength Clinic Wrap-up & Podcast

Aaron Hillman's first strength & condtioning clinic at Bowling Green State Univ  was quite successful as many coaches, athletes and personal trainers walked away from this clinic with useful and applicable information. Longtime University of Michigan strength coach Mike Gittleson (retired) gave a great talk on developing hand and forearm strength. But it was his professor-like demeanor and storytelling abilities that helped to convey his training methods and topic. There's no question why he spent 30 years at the U of M and had the opportunity to work for one of college football's all-time great coaches.... Bo Schembechler. Mike Gittleson's a true master in the field of strength training.

We also heard from Kelly Howe... an assistant at BGSU. She oversees the many of the female athletes and she left no doubt as to the intensity of her workouts! We'll provide further podcasts with Kelly, as well as with Clinic Director Roger LaPointe, and Three time Olympic Weightlifter Fred Lowe.

Today's podcast is a clinic wrap-up with Aaron Hillman (BGSU) and Cincinnati St. Xavier High School Strength Coach Carlo Alvarez.

Click on the BGSU logo below for today's ASAP PODCAST:  

All Rights reserved   Copyright 2008 ASAP Athletic Strength And Power post by Ed Cicale

Bowling Green State University Strength & Conditioning Clinic

Aaron Hillmann, Bowling Green State University's Head Strength & Conditioning Coach is hosting his strength clinic on May 3rd.  Hillmann will also be a speaker at the clinic. This clinic's featured speaker will be the longtime and now retired University of Michigan Strength Coach... Mike Gittleson, who anchored that position for 30 years! Heisman Trophy winners, All-America Football stars, Big Ten Championships, National Championships. Coach Gittleson has been an innovator and mentor to many.  This year's #1 NFL Draft pick trained under Gittleson....as the University of Michigan boasts having the most active players on NFL rosters: a testament to the preparation that these players received as Wolverines! Coach Mike Gittleson will speak on hand, forearm and grip strength...among other topics.

Also speaking will be:

• Robert Gee; Homeland Security
• Fred Lowe; 3 time Olympian Weightlifter
• Kelly Howe; BGSU Women's Strength Coach
• Carlo Alvarez; Cincinnati St. Xavier High School Strength Coach
• Roger LaPointe: President of Atomic Athletic

Click the photo below for the clinic brochure:

Clinic_Brochure_&_Registration-Form

You can also register online at www.atomicathletic.com/store/  

All Rights Reserved   Copyright 2008 www.athleticstrengthandpower.com   blogpost by Ed Cicale

Cincinnati St Xavier Strength Clinic

Carlo Alvarez~ Strength & conditioning Coach of the Cincinnati St. X Bombers is hosting a strength clinic to be held on May 17, 2008 at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The speaker list:

• Ron Zook:  Head Football Coach; University of Illinois
• Ken Leistner: PowerliftingUSA, Hardgainer, Iron Island Gym, Hard Training
• Mark Asanovich: Strength Coach; Jacksonville Jaguars 
• Aaron Hillmann:  Strength Coach: Bowling Green State Univ.
• Ted Lambrinides: Director of Athletic Strength And Power~ASAP
• Steve Specht: Head Football Coach St. Xavier High School
• Carlo Alvarez:  Strength and Speed Coach St. X Bombers

Click the Photo above for the Clinic Brochure and all of the pertinent information related to this strength training and conditioning seminar.

Also, here's some past posts that we've had in regards to in season strength training at St. X

St X Bomber Speed , Bomber's Program Overview and a bomber Youtube:

Bomber Youtube

All Rights Reserved   Copyright 2008 www.athleticstrengthandpower.com  blogpost by Ed Cicale

Ohio State Football Performance Clinic

ASAP~Athletic Strength And Power~ Director Ted Lambrinides was back on campus at The Ohio State University as a speaker for the Football Performance Coaching Clinic conducted at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Ted's topic was on The Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hamstring and Knee Injuries and he also did some practical, on-the-field explanations and demonstrations of many of the drills that he utilizes at the ASAP Performance Training Centers.
Ohio State Football Strength Assistant, Doug Davis, spoke on The Design & Implementation of an Effective Strength Program. Of course, Eric Lichter, the Director of Football Performance,  spoke on The Development of Athletic Speed And Power. Coach Lichter also did an extensive application out in the expansive indoor practice facility that's located just a short toss from the brand new 15,000 square foot weight training facility. The ASAP website will have podcasts with Eric Lichter and Doug Davis as well as with Ohio State Strength Coordinator Jeff Uhlenhake. Also, more photos and information regarding the recent clinic will be posted.

ASAP Director Ted Lambrinides speaks and conducts a demonstration at The Woody Hayes Athletic Center
All Rights Reserved    Copyright 2008 www.athleticstrengthandpower.com blogpost and photos by Ed Cicale

ASAP @ The Athletic Performance Center Prepping Players for the NFL Draft and Indianapolis Combine

ASAP~Athletic Strength And Power in Tampa, Florida has been prepping players for both the combine and the NFL draft. Human Performance Specialist, Scott Savor has been coaching players through the progressions. By using position specific fundamental drills, vertical and broad jump training, 10, 20 and 40yd linear sprints, bench press repetition training, and the Indianapolis NFL Combine-specific agility drills, the athletes are becoming best prepared for the tests at Indy.

Scott just returned from Tokyo, Japan where he and Jacksonville Jaguar Strength Coach Mark Asanovich met and trained with Japanese football players and Sports and Field owner Tatsuya Okawa

Here's are a few quotes about ASAP~Athletic Strength And Power and the workouts that some players experienced:

“…Really didn’t know what to expect, but after the first day…Loved it!  Everything was so positive and I learned not to be negative towards self or others.  They (The Athletic Performance Center) know how to push you to your max!”

Curtis Lofton

                            University of Oklahoma

“My experience here has been great, and I looked forward to every workout with the APC staff.  They have great energy and mentalities that create a very productive environment!”

Ty Hall

                            Boston College

 

“I thought the whole program made me better aware of how to workout, and allowed me to focus on my workouts, because of how well I was taken care of.  The intensity of the program made me perform at my best day in and day out.  Everyone I worked with came with a great attitude everyday!”

Clay Hamblen

                            Georgetown University

 

“My experience here has been one of lifetime, having the privilege to work with Scott, Ted, Joe and John has increased my confidence and my overall knowledge of the little things in this sport.  It’s an unbelievable atmosphere to learn and grow in!”

Todd Spitzer

                            University of Cincinnati

 

“The APC has allowed us for a great working atmosphere along with great people who train and push you to your limits!”

Digger Bujnoch

                            University of Cincinnati

 

“It has been a great experience for me, and I will be able to take a lot back home with me in terms of conditioning and lifting.  The APC is really a state of the art facility!”

Doug Jones

                            University of Cincinnati

 

“I had a great experience!  Scott and Joe really pushed me to my maximum potential and gave me the tools to continue working even more!”

Pete Clifford

                            Michigan State University

 

“Training was extremely positive, which in turn only gets the best out of you!”

Chris Norwell

                            University of Illinois

 

“I’m glad I came down here. It feels like I got a lot bigger and stronger…but most importantly I learned a better attitude towards things.”

Chris McKillop

                            University of Pittsburg

 

“It’s been great! I’ve worked harder than usual, because of the staff!”

Rob Zarrilli

                            Hofstra University

ASAP Podcast with Michigan State Olympic Sports Strength Coach Tim Wakeham

MSU's Olympic Sports Strength Coach, Tim Wakeham, gave an extensive facilities tour at the Jenison Fieldhouse to ASAP Director Ted Lambrinides and the two discussed program design, strength facility scheduling and also recent  training device  implementation. Later, Coach Wakeham  was able to take a timeout from the MSU Strength & Conditioning Clinic and share a few minutes with ASAP Podcaster Ed Cicale for today's podcast. Just click  on the ASAP Podcast logo below for today's  interview.

Also, be sure to check out the ASAP Photo Album for more pictures from Michigan State!

All Rights Reserved  Copyright 2008 www.athleticstrengthandpower.com blogpost and podcast by Ed Cicale

LaRosa's MVP's No Strangers to ASAP Training

  In Cincinnati, it almost seems that if you're not having a "three-way" chili at a Skyline Chili Restaurant, you're probably ordering a pizza from LaRosa's. Both restaurants have a strong affliliation with high school sports in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. LaRosa's features high school athletes in a special MVP website  and through photos that are enshrined in their restaurants.

Interestingly, many of these athletes have found their way to The Workout at Covington and ASAP training over the years...including recent Kentucky high school stars Nicole Staverman (Notre Dame Academy) and Cody Elliott (Beechwood High School).

Keep up the Hard Work and Congratulations Nicole and Cody!!

All Rights Reserved   2007 www.athleticstrengthandpower.com   blogpost by Ed Cicale

Archie Griffin: The Three "D's"

 

Recently, I had the good fortune of attending a motivation seminar in Columbus, Ohio.  Among marquee speakers that included the likes of Colin Powell, Steve Forbes, Zig Ziglar and Joe Montana, there was also the one and only winner of two Heisman Trophies, Archie Griffin.... a true ambassador to The Ohio State University. When the seminar had completed, I headed up Route 315 to the Lane Avenue exit and made my way to The Woody Hayes Athletic Center. It's a huge and sprawling complex where the Buckeyes spend a large amount of their time when they are not in class or over on the banks of the muddy Olentangy River playing football in the old "horseshoe" known as Ohio Stadium. I was once a graduate assistant coach here back in the 1980's.... but that was before the latest multimillion dollar upgrade to what was once called the "North" facility back then. I've included a few photos from the players' entranceway along with the pictures of Archie's trophies.

Speaking in his hometown sure didn't hurt his popularity any but what really captured the audience was his message about some things that he learned years ago from his coaches and mentors, Bob Stewart (Columbus Eastmoor Football Coach) and Woody Hayes (Ohio State Football).... and that's The Three D's. In fact, Griffin explained that there's not a day that goes by without him thinking about the lessons imparted to him from these fine coaches. Many of us can think back throughout the years of people who helped us attain success. People who left some mark on us or pointed us in the right direction. Archie Griffin's mentors left an impact on him through what he calls:

                            The Three D's

1. Desire:

2. Determination

3. Dedication

With those three things placed into your daily plan.... you can stay on an even keel and more readily accomplish your goals in life. So to quote speaker Zig Ziglar, it may be time for "a check-up from the neck up". If so, take heed of the advice of the great Buckeye running back and re-evaluate your desire, determination and dedication. Get to the next level!

One of Archie Griffin's Heisman Trophies

Go Bucks!

All Rights Reserved    Copyright 2007 www.athleticstrengthandpower.com blogpost by Ed Cicale

Key Factors to Speed and Strength Development

One of the key factors in a young athlete's continuation with a strength training and conditioning program revolves around the effectiveness of the conditioning supervisor or strength coach. The strength coach should view him, or herself, as both an educator and a motivator.

1. The educational role involves teaching the athletes about different weight training exercises. why the exercises are important to their sport, and about basic physiological principles to gaining and maintaining strength.
2. The motivation function involves regular encouragement pushing the athlete toward meaningful challenge.

These are also keys to why the ASAP; Athletic Strength And Power program works so well. The strength trainers and personal trainers continue to push the athletes toward goals in accordance with the athlete's physical and mental maturity level. They know about education and they know about motivation.

If you're located in the Greater Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky region, and you need a personal training program designed to take you to the next level using state-of-the-art methods and equipment.... if you're looking for an acceleration training program designed to increase your speed and improve your agility, balance and coordination.....and, if you're looking for sound nutritional advice, too.... start thinking ASAP....Athletic Strength And Power! Then, head down to see the trainers at The Workout! Act, Think and Train like a Champion

All Rights Reserved    Copyright 2007 www.AthleticStrengthAndPower.com  blogpost by Ed Cicale and adapted from his quotes from the October-November 1985 Volume 7 Number 5; National Strength & Conditioning Journal

Post-40 Fitness.... and Hulda Crooks

If you're approaching forty years old, the aging process is probably affecting you, just like lot's of other athletes your age....with it's aches and pains and stiffness. You really can't stop this process through physical activity and training, however, you can seem to slow it down. You can compensate for it by trying to maintain your present fitness level. As our bodies change, we experience a number of physiological changes. These changes include the following:

• reduced aerobic capacity
• weakened bones...through bone loss or osteoporosis
• diminished muscular strength and endurance
• decreased sense of balance
• slowed reaction times
• increased body fat

What we've found at ASAP: Athletic Strength And Power is that many of the aformentioned physiological changes are sometimes more a factor of inactivity than of aging per se. In other words, use it or lose it!!  So, the aging athlete just needs to stick to it....gut it out and keep striving!

Some of examples of athletes who have extended their careers beyond 40 years old are Morton Anderson, Karl Malone and Cal Ripken. Interestly, Bill Collins holds the world record for Master's Athletes. He's 55 and ran an 11.5  100m dash last summer. Or Alfred Guidet's 200m record of 23.6 which he did at the age of 55 also. How about the 70 year old Bobby Whilden, who just last year ran a 12.7  100m dash!!!  If it interests you, check out the amazing records of the USATF Masters' records.

But maybe the most intriguing story to me is the one of Hulda Crooks, a California "Grandma" who achieved some very amazing feats. After the death of her husband, Hulda Crooks, age 60, took up hiking and mountain climbing. By the age of 66, she had climbed Mt Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states. At 72, she climbed it twice in two weeks...just to have the opportunity to show some teenagers. When she was 91, she climbed Mt Fuji, Japan's highest peak. And to think that she didn't start this until she was 60 years old. it's no wonder that the California Department of Parks named a southern peak of Mt Whitney: Crooks Peak after all, she climbed to the top 23 times. Now that's taking it to the next level.

All Rights Reserved      Copyright 2006 www.athleticstrengthandpower.com   post written by Ed Cicale