Sunday, November 30, 2008

Women's Hoops

Hello Everyone!

It's time to hit the hardwood as the 08-09 basketball season gets underway!

Akron General Sports Performance is excited to see that the local team that had 5 of its players train with us this summer is ranked #6 in The Plain Dealer's Girls Basketball PreSeason Top 25. Click HERE to find out which team had some its players become stronger, faster, and more powerful this off-season.

Its no wonder local baseball, softball, soccer, and football players are flocking to AGMC Sports Performance to make the most of their off-season. What are YOU doing this off-season?

Keep Training!
Coach Amanda Kephart

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Tip #3: Squat Deep!

Hello Everyone!

The training myth of, "Squatting below parallel is bad for your knees" is still believed by many individuals.

The truth is, if you want to develop a strong and powerful lower body, you can safely (and should often) train with deep, full range of motion squats.

Proof?
Check out this research article on deep squats and knee pain (or lack thereof!)
Patellofemoral joint kinetics during squatting in collegiate women athletes

Why?
As I've mentioned in previous posts, our bodies are designed and capable of full range movements. You are only as strong as your weakest link! If your muscles are only strong at the top portion of a movement and not the bottom, then you better cross your fingers and hope you never have to get low in your sport! (Next time you watch your sport, take note at how many times athletes get below parallel, you'll be surprised!)

This is DEEP!
Coach Duarte demonstrating a good deep front squat.

Keep Training!
Coach Amanda Kephart

Thursday, November 13, 2008

We Get You Ready to Play in The Big Ten

Hello Everyone!

I recently spoke with one of my mentors who is currently a Strength and Conditioning Coach at a University in The Big Ten. He told me,

"Every one of our in-coming freshmen has had some type of strength and conditioning and/or sports performance training before arriving to The Big Ten. Facilities such as Akron General are vital to preparing our new athletes for the high level of play that is division one athletics. More athletes need sports performance training!"

Dream of playing in The Big Ten? Then you better start training for it today!

Keep Training!
Coach Amanda Kephart

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Akron General Sports Performance Website

Hello Everyone!

Check out Akron General's webpage on Sports Performance! It has a lot of great information about our program and for the curious, a picture of me on it. :-p

Keep Training!
Coach Amanda Kephart