Now is the time for all you track athletes to get a good base and a jump on your competition. Indoor track starts in the end of December and first in January. Athletes are now signing up and training. Soon we will be all booked up and not be able to take anymore athletes, so with that in mind and the limited number of weeks to prepare, it is time to get in gear and start. If you have not signed up when it comes time to compete you will know how has been training with me because you will see the bottom of there shoes.

Currently 90% of the athletes that are seniors that have completed two Speed Performance Training packages have received college athletic scholarships.

* Minimum of 5 inches in vertical jump, some have been as high as 12 inches

* At least 45lbs in bench, some as high as 100lbs

* Minimum of 80lbs in squats, some as high as 125lbs

* 2.5 to as high as 4.5 tenths of a second in the 40 yd sprint

These results were accomplished using the vibration platform and a specially designed treadmill that is capable having athletes safely reach forward jump-ons up to 28 mph, reverse jump-ons up to 20 mph and 360 degree switch directions up to 14 mph for increasing those all important lateral movements.

Speed Performance Training is an innovative approach to improving each individual's performance with an emphasis on correct biomechanics, core strength, and correct muscle recruitment patterns. Instability in the abdominal, back and hip areas often leads to faulty muscle contraction or firing patterns. Faulty muscle contraction leads to a decrease in performance and increase in the potential for injuries. This the first step in get the athlete to efficiently and effectively transfer all muscular energies directly to the ground in the straightest leverage line of force. When the hamstrings and glutes do not fire properly, the foot tends to land in front of the hips, which in effect, puts on the 'brakes' with every step. There is a specific order in which the muscles should fire when completing a motion. If the gluteal, hamstring and hip abductors are not firing properly, movements are not efficient and injuries are more likely to occur. Improper muscle firing patterns occur when there is too much forward motion without any multi-plane movement in the correct form. One of the most effective ways to correct this imbalance is to use the high-speed treadmill with a safety harness attached to the unweighting system. The high speed treadmill can safely introduce lateral and retro motions into a training program. The lateral movement focuses on strengthening and balancing the weakness in the hip abductors. The high speed treadmill with the Gait system is Ohio's only heart rate controlled high-speed treadmill capable of safely reaching forward and reverse speeds of 28 mph. The high speed treadmill stores data such as speed, elevation, heart rate and lactate curves. This data is tracked using the software program para analysis and para graphics. The data can then be printed out for evaluation. Athletes are recorded in an overspeed setting using a mini-dv camcorder, from that recording a DVD will be burned for the athlete's keeping. Another tool we use is the vibration platform, this tool will give the athlete: greater flexibility, more advances muscle response, enhances circulation, increased range of motion, help prevent injury and amplify their metabolism. It also can be used for rehabilitation which will: promote bone mineral density, enhance blood flow, promote joint mobility, reduce strain on tendons, do muscular re-education and give the athlete a quicker recovery time. Either Steve Hieskell, owner and Nationally Ranked Master Track and Field athlete or one of our friendly Certified Trainers, conducts each training session. Training sessions are scheduled by appointment only. Professional athletes, major universities and high schools across the country are realizing the Speed Performance Training program is a more complete and safe program that produces higher results. Professional athletes, major universities, and high schools across the country are realizing the Speed Performance program is a more complete and safe program that produces higher results.