Training For The Entire Game

South Jersey Training:
Training For The Entire Game
Friday, August 1, 2003

By Art Redd Jr.
SJSports Staff Writer

You are competing in your favor sport and you've noticed that you don’t have the same energy level after a short period of time. You are one the best or the best athlete on the field at the start of the game, but your intensity level has dropped off dramatically. Your blazing speed, quickness and domination of your best sport has slowed down to a crawl. All of these issues are the results of the lack of a proper conditioning and strength not only your endurance, but also your body.

“What we are providing is another avenue for athletes to continue their workout routines during the off season”, mention Graig White of Team Conditioning Systems. “We’ve branched out to Sportz Central in Bellmawr, NJ as an excellent place for our athletes to enhance and/or continue their level of competition during the summer months.” White, yet again, held a clinic for those looking to take advantage of his expertise and experience in getting the most out of those athletes looking to remain competitive. Sportz Central has had its doors open for about six months and its owner is Dennis Barth, coach of the successful Gloucester Catholic Rams baseball team.

Working out during the “off season” is nothing new to area athletes as they continue to train for their favorite sport. How well they strengthen their body determines how long a person will be able to continue to compete at a high level. “Some of the best sports programs train in California, Arizona and Florida as they play outdoor sports all year round because of their climate. Dennis wanted this facility for people to train, not only for baseball, for all sports because of high school teams competing for space”, mentioned Len Sauer manager of the facility. “Batting cages and that type of training are only a part of the skill. The truth be told, I feel is what Graig is doing.” Sauer feels that it’s not just throwing, swinging the bat and fielding baseballs all day long. The body has to be fine tuned to play any sport all season long.

One point that also needs to be addressed is to enjoy what you are doing, a point that Mr. White continues to remind his athletes while attending his programs. However, fifty percent of the people who workout will not see your workouts to the end. Most will drop out within six months. Even people who exercise regularly must avoid the pitfalls that keep people from reaching their goals. Here are some suggestions to help you get the body you want.

1. You must believe that an exercise program will make a difference in your life.

2. Set goals that are realistic and consistent with your age and the amount of time you have to exercise.

3. Create a program that is personalized just for you. It has to be enjoyable and fit your lifestyle and needs.

4. Get support from your friends and family. Those who have support are more likely to stick with it.

5. Identify obstacles that may get in your way (lack of time, money, etc.) and find ways to overcome them.

6. Work not to "think too much". People tend to intellectualize concepts dealing with exercise. It's not rocket science, get out and get to work.

Photos by Art Redd