When to use cross-training

Currently there is a big buzz about cross-training and circuit training.  Is this effective for the athlete or just for the general population?  I will try and write more on this topic but wanted to give you athletes something to think about when you start your summer training.

1. Is cross-training preparing me for general fitness or my sport?
2. Is my sport an endurance sport and should a combination of power then to strength be done during cross-training?
3. Is it effective to combine fitness with my strength training program?
4. When should if at all cross-training be put into my strength program?
5.  Does cross training address my long term goals to short term method of training?
6. What does my sport require and does my cross-training method address the issues I need for my sport?
7.  Did I get hurt last year and where should my training start?
8.  Does my coach address my issues and concerns I had last season or just go into his or her progressions?
9.  What tests are done before I begin my off-season training?
10.  Does your skill coach or sport coach think they are a performance coach and put fitness into your program?  If so when is this counter-productive to your practice session?  Is this ok to put fitness into your skills practice?

I'm not taking one side on this topic just trying to make you athletes and cross-training lovers think about what your goals really are for your sport.  Here are my thoughts from some of the best in the industry and also after reading and having 12 plus years in training athletes.  I'm always learning but wanted to share and make you think about what your off-season training should look like or not look like.


TO BE CONTINUED

Coach B Meyer

The Intern

The past few weeks has been crazy with the new room coming together, suspension training classes, and my business partner getting the Chia Drink off and running.  I just want to thank all the help I've received from Kamari, Anne, Mark, and Hanna.  I don't say enough but I appreciate you all and am lucky to have you by my side daily.  Suzanne the MAT specialist is a bonus and she adds to much from her expert knowledge to her great personality.  Thanks guys.

A few words from Hanna who has been shadowing and interning with the B Meyer Training Center.

Weeks Reflection

Over the past couple weeks I have continued to learn a lot at the Bryan Meyer Training facility. Last week I began to learn about progressions and how to fit them into the NASM training model. Additionally I got to observe Bryan tweak these progressions to make them more difficult and more personal. I also saw how Bryan would regress an injured client, putting her through physical therapy like sessions before he can progress her back to movement/strength training for basketball.

Bryan also had me research some of the people he looks up to in the industry and see how he borrows and tweaks progressions to fit his training beliefs. Both are performance coaches that Bryan studied when he started out. These coaches and Bryan share a basic principle that there is more than one way to effectively train.  If you have been doing the same workout progression for over a few months then you haven't gotten better.  The faster you can get some from A to Z the better never be afraid to make mistakes.

One day I was able observe a session with Suzanne. Suzanne practices Muscle Activation, a technique that is designed to evaluate and treat muscular imbalances. Before watching and listening to Suzanne, I had never heard of this particular practice. However on the surface, it appears to be a successful way to treat chronic pain and injury.

Lastly, for the past two Mondays, I have been able to help out Anne, Bryan’s new Suspension Training Coach. Anne has taught me how to properly practice suspension training and how to put together a suspension training work out.  If you haven't contacted Anne on facebook or checked B Meyer Training fan page be sure to see this class is the only one like it in Orlando.  Anne has been working with Coach B on becoming the new Program Coach and I'm excited to learn from her and Coach B on using his pre-made programs for everyday people.  The problem I see with most gyms is a cookie cutter program for everyone and Coach B has made specific programs to address everything and everyone from Dancers to moms and dads.  As more people see and feel the benefits they will be sure to come back to the gym to continue their fitness journey.  As soon as you finish one program you can start a new one and reach that athlete in you.  Coach Anne has just started training herself on the Skinny Strong Athlete Program and I'm sure she will update Coach Bs blog with updates on how her journey is going.  Lets see what you can do Anne with this great program.  Look for more updates guys and we will see you at the gym.

Hanna