Last Saturday, I attended Matt Krause's Cincinnati Reds Strength & Conditionng Clinic. It was a very nicely done seminar.... all at Great American Ball Park. What a great place to have it! And Bronson Arroyo was there... he has a renewed fervor in his off-season training program right now and wants to help the Reds overcome their down year. He's been training down in Naples, Florida and trying to get himself stronger than ever. He's also been working on hip and lower body flexibility as he'll be trying to add some speed to his fast ball this year.... a necessity when you pitch half of your games in a hitters ballpark like GABP.
I also got to speak extensively with Dr. Timothy Kremchek. In fact, we recorded a podcast which will be edited and posted on this site soon.
Additionally, I spoke with several vendors at the clinic, most notably Jim Hartman of GripForce "Grip4orce Inc." where they are "Revolutionizing Grip Strength" with their very cool product. My first exposure to using the Grip4orce was when I visited Michigan State University last year. Coach Mannie had many of the machines there outfitted with these training tools.There's a host of other bigtime pro and collegiate programs using these things now.
Basically it's a rubbery device that the athlete has to squeeze down while using dumbells, barbells and machine grips.....and it forces the trainee to activate more muscles while performing many different exercises. I liked them so much, I got a pair of them.... there are two sizes...or "tensions" to choose from: Regular and Stiff Flex. (Of course, I chose the more difficult model). I have just started using them in my training and I have to admit....I can really feel the difference at the end of the routine. And trust me.....price won't scare you away: $39 bucks! 
Blogpost by Ed Cicale All Rights Reserved Athletic Strength And Power
