Thursday, January 11, 2018

REPPING FOR YOUR GOALS

By MICHAEL DEPAOLO

In the past, there was an array of doubt surrounding the effectiveness and benefits of strength training for children and teens.  Due to recent studies, however, many researchers are now in total support of the National Strength and Conditioning Council (NSCA) which advocates that strength training with the watchfulness of a qualified trainer at two to three times a week is healthy for teens and children.

At the German Sport University, Dr. Michael Behringer recently studied why researchers have dispelled this theory of thought.  It has been demonstrated that risk of injury from strength training is no higher than sports or other types of exercises.  Now experts in the field have stated that it does provide possible benefits like “increased bone density, less body fat, boosts performance and actually aides in reduction of sports injuries.”

Many of our Wizard athletes have to keep in shape during their offseason.  Some of them workout at home or at the local gym, but a lot of our athletes use our school weight room to keep in shape.  The program is run by Coach Clark who states, “One thing we do to get students motivated to come is, if they make every session for the year, I’ll treat them to a steak dinner at the end of the season.”

MICHAEL DEPAOLO FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY
In the past, students have seen an abundance of injuries that could have been avoided with proper strength and conditioning programs.  Now that the school is working with high school athletes on the strength and conditioning side of the equation, these trends and habits students have seen in the past may be resolved.  The coaches give students the lifting methods and techniques needed to avoid injuries and get better results.

Many students think that the weight room is just for the football team but, in reality, any student from grades 8-12 can participate.  Having this program open to all students helps them reach the goals they have always strived for.  Also, having it start in January makes it perfect for some students to fulfill their new year's resolutions.  Some of our senior athletes plan on enlisting after high school.  Having this program helps them train for their future.  Junior, Noah Cunningham, states, “I feel like this program will not only help me, but the rest of my team to become stronger and better for the upcoming season.”

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday WHS athletes stay after school to participate in the weightlifting program.  Interested students need to fill out a waiver which can be found in the main office and returned it to Coach Clark.  This a great opportunity for all students to improve themselves and reach the goals they have always desired.

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