Proof of Concept, IT WORKS !

Back in 2004, both Jon and I were newly certified trainers by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Some of the NASM training methods were new to us and a bit odd at the time. Prior to my NASM certification, I was certified by AFAA for 12 years and I will admit that my training methods were much more traditional and based on what you would see in a bodybuilding gym. Although I did have my athletes perform some speed, agility and quickness activities, the resistance component to the programs were typical compound movements such as squats, bench press, deadlifts and rows, along with some specific isolation activities. Those compound movements are still staples in the strength phase of the NASM progression continuum, but there is much more to an overall training program than just moving weight. In 2004 our eyes were completely and forever opened to this model of progression.

We became our own test subjects and started at square one; the stabilization and corrective phase. We had to come to terms with the fact that we had muscle imbalances from moving in the same patterns for so many years. I will say that even before becoming a disciple of NASM, I was always a stickler for precise form with all my exercises. However, even perfect form over the course of many years, without adequate flexibility, core and balance training will lead to muscle imbalances that need to be addressed.

It was late in the year and we agreed to go through each phase diligently to prepare for the upcoming softball season in 2005. After performing a week of self myofascial release activities with a foam roll, something that neither of us had ever done before (and it hurt), we started to move better and feel more limber with improved range of motion around all our joints. We kept asking each other, almost in shock, “do you feel this working as much as I do?” The truth was, it was undeniable; muscles were going back to the correct length and tension and allowing us to move in optimal patterns.

We continued to move through the strength and power phases once our bodies were realigned and prepared. I can honestly say I felt about 10 years younger. Incorporating flexibility techniques, along with balance, strength, SAQ, plyometric and other power exercises made us well rounded athletes. I felt so good that I even started playing basketball during the later winter months of 2005 and was able to dunk a basketball again, something I hadn’t done since college. I’m sure we had a pretty good softball season as a team but I do vividly remember being able to move on the diamond better than I had since high school or college. I was tracking down balls that the year prior, I wasn’t even close to. It was fun to play like a kid again and I attribute all of that youthful exuberance to the NASM model.

Once we fully committed to the NASM model, which didn’t take long given the results, we began training all our clients in the NASM progression continuum. One such athlete was 8 year old Jack DeFouw. Jon wanted to teach his son a sound and reliable way to exercise, the same way Jon’s father taught him and mine taught me. Jon was intelligent and cautious in his approach and made sure that Jack focused on flexibility, core, balance and light band & bodyweight training to strengthen connective tissue and bones, which is not only beneficial but critical at a young age. The foundation he created instilled optimal movement patterns for Jack that he carried with him through his entire athletic career, from Little League player to collegiate athlete as the current closer on William Patterson University’s Baseball team. Jack is the only member of his graduating class to play all 4 years of college baseball and never had any type of overuse injury over the course of his career because he was always dedicated to making sure his movement patterns were functional and completely appropriate for his activities.

We believe in the NASM model because of its versatility. You can tailor the progression continuum to suit your goals and needs. I know it’s not the only way to train to become healthy, but I do believe it’s the best way to train to holistically achieve optimal overall fitness. We’ve seen it work for ourselves when we wanted to get back into highly competitive playing shape. We’ve seen it work for our many athletes and clients over the years when they wanted to simply move and feel better and achieve a healthier lifestyle through fitness.

We’ve also seen it work over the course of a lifetime with a young man who’s used this model since his childhood and continues to use it today while playing in one of the most competitive D3 baseball conferences in the country, at the collegiate level. We’ve tested it for over 15 years and I can tell you, it works.