Precision Sports Performance – the experts in adult fitness offering the best 1-on-1 training, as well as, student athlete condition training for children (aged 7-college D1-D3) was founded by Meg Furstoss, MS, NSCA-CSCS, and Andrew Borsellino, MS, NSCA-CSCS, NASM-PES.
The PSP team have worked with countless student athletes helping them finesse their skills to play with the pros in leagues. They also work with adults (aged 18+) to help them achieve their goals (i.e. Weight loss, muscle strength, fitness competitions, injury prevention).
We joined the Co-founder Meg Furstoss, in a conversation over the best athlete moves, prepping for fitness competitions and Olympic lifting. Check out the details below.
The 5 moves every athlete needs to master
There are five basic functional movements that every athlete should strive to master. Both male and female athletes should be able to run in a straight line, perform a basic body weight squat in good to perfect form, do one perfect push-up, jump and land properly and do at least one pull-up or perfect lightly assisted pull-up. The neuromuscular components of these movements demonstrate an athletes’ ability to control their body in multiple planes and these demands can be applied to every sport.
Though not all sports require movement in every plane, the basic foundations of these 5 functional movements will allow any athlete to succeed in their given tasks. Mastering these functional movements will allow an athlete to utilize the proper muscles during movement which increases efficiency and performance.
Olympic lifting – how to start?
When getting into Olympic lifting it’s important to understand that these are the most complex lifts in the world of strength training. Olympic lifts have precise movements and require attention to detail. When figuring out how to start training for Olympic lifting the first thing to do is find a certified and qualified coach. You will see the letters USAW or CSCS as credentials associated with the coach. This will let you know that this coach has passed a nationally recognized certification exam that involves both schooling and years of study. These coaches differ from other “Olympic weight lifting coaches” who get weekend certifications.
Olympic lifting is very complex and elite so being trained by a non-experienced coach can lead to improper form and technique which could lead to injury. Also, when deciding if you want to begin Olympic lifting it is imperative to figure out whether you are looking to compete, just want to add it to your workout or use it as a tool to aid in other personal or sport goals.
A guide to winning fitness competitions
Fitness competitions are not for the weak willed. You need to go into your training understanding exactly what you are getting into. First and foremost, participants need to do their research regarding the type of fitness competition they want to compete in. Giving yourself enough time and strategically planning your “how to” steps can help set yourself up for success.
Number one, find a coach, such as a strength coach or personal trainer, that understands the type training needed to get the body ready to compete. Number two, work with a posing coach to help master the necessary poses needed to perform during the competition.
Finally, it is imperative to consult with a nutritionist who can break down for you, step by step, the fuel needs of your body for both training and goal purposes. The wrong combination of training and nutrition can lead you to not achieving the goals you want or need to compete in the fitness competition. So, do your research! Find the right coach and nutritionist to help get you on the path of a successful training plan!
CREDIT: Meg Furstoss, MS, NSCA-CSCS, Co-founder Precision Sports Performance.