By Nate Henry, Orthopedic and Sports Enhancement Center
Over the past 10-15 years, sports performance/enhancement programs have gained immense popularity throughout the United States. Typical sports enhancement programs focus on improving things like the athlete’s speed, strength, agility, and a host of other aspects pertaining to sports. Initially, these programs were put in place primarily for those already elite athletes looking to reach the next level or the athlete striving for a college scholarship. However, with youth sports participation on the rise, off-season sports enhancement programs are becoming more common for athletes of all ages and ability levels. This is because, even though everyone may not have the potential to become an elite athlete or compete at the college level, taking steps to maximize and improve each individual’s ability on the field of play has enormous benefits for those participating.
One obvious benefit of a sports enhancement program is the physical changes in the body due to the exercise involved. This is one reason why athletes of all ages and ability levels are gravitating toward this type of exercise. But there are many neuromuscular benefits that are obtained in a short amount of time because the training focuses on things like running mechanics, deceleration/landing, and mechanics in the weight room. These neuromuscular benefits will only be observed if the proper training program is instilled. Every athlete should undergo an individual assessment to see if an extensive mobility and stability phase is necessary before beginning the intense activities of sprinting, jumping, and resistance training in the weight room.
In addition to the physical and neuromuscular improvements most athletes see, there is also a psychological benefit. It has been proven in many studies that exercise, especially moderate to high intensity exercise, can help reduce anxiety, negative moods, and help improve self-esteem and cognitive function. Sports enhancement programs typically focus on moderate to high intensities throughout the program cycle, which is leading more parents and athletes to take notice of the added benefit of improvements in self-esteem and academic performance in the classroom.
Over the past five years, I have personally witnessed a great increase in the number of athletes we see. Many of them simply want to be a contributing member to his or her team. This is a welcoming trend, as they are eager, coachable, and extremely hard-working. Because of their desire and hard work, it’s not unusual for an average athlete to outperform those that are naturally gifted. One key to a successful sports performance program is making sure each athlete is treated as an individual, as every exercise or type of training may not be suitable for every athlete.
It is extremely rewarding to help youth, high school, collegiate, and some professional athletes succeed on and off the field of play. And it is a very positive trend that athletes of all ages and ability levels are taking advantage of the benefits that sports training and exercise provide!
Nate Henry is the Director of Sports Performance at the Orthopedic & Sports Enhancement Center. For more information on the programs available you may call 309-663-9300 or visit them online at www.sportsenhancement.net. They are located at 2406 East Empire in Bloomington. Personal training for all ages is offered in addition to the sports acceleration programs for athletes of all levels.
Photo by élan Photography