Getting Strong - The Mode and Method

Sometimes we get too wrapped up in the mode of strength training and lose sight of what we are trying to accomplish. Select a mode of strength training that is appropriate to the sport are training for. Do not lock yourself in to one mode. For example, pulling movements can be accomplished in a variety of ways using a variety of implements. It all depends on the ultimate goal. If you accept that strength training is a means to end, not an end unto itself, a whole new vista of options becomes available. I just keep reminding myself that strength training is coordination training with appropriate resistance. The key words here are coordination training and appropriate resistance. I do not get as hung up on chasing number as I once did. I know there are certain landmarks that the athlete must achieve based on gender, training age, skill level and sport and I let those guide me. I do not try to get crazy selecting the mode, start with body weight and go to weight vests, sandbags, dumbbells Hexlite bar and Olympic bar. Kettlebells are used but I can live without them. The other rule I live by is nice to do (have) versus need to do (have). Use common sense, be basic and fundamental and you can build strength that you can use and apply in your sport.

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Vern Gambetta

Director at Gambetta Sports Training Systems

Vern is the Director of Gambetta Sports Training Systems. He has been the a conditioning coach for several MLS teams as well as the conditioning consultant to the US Men's World Cup Soccer team. Vern is the former Director of Conditioning for the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets. He has lectured and conducted clinics in Canada, Japan, Australia and Europe and has authored six books and over one hundred articles related to coaching and sport performance in a variety of sports. He has a BA in teaching with a coaching minor and an MA in Education with an emphasis in physical education from Stanford University.