In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Eric Cressey, Director of Player Health and Performance for the New York Yankees and President and co-founder of Cressey Sports Performance. They delve into the importance of developing maximum strength for athletes and key characteristics of effective strength training methods. Eric discusses how to recognize when an athlete is strong enough and ready to pursue other primary training goals, acknowledging the evolution of athletic strength and the role of technology in assessing performance.
They explore whether strength training can lead to reduced mobility and strategies to minimize potential loss in athleticism, particularly for rotational athletes. The conversation further addresses how strength training should evolve from off-season to in-season programs to account for competing demands, emphasizing maintaining strength with minimal volume during the competitive season. Finally, they cover critical aspects like the impact of athlete lifestyle habits (including sleep), managing injury history, and the importance of mentorship for young coaches in the evolving landscape of sports performance. This episode provides actionable insights for coaches and athletes looking to optimize training adaptation and career longevity.
In the episode, we delve into the importance of developing maximum strength for athletes, including:
✅ Recognizing when an athlete is strong enough to shift training focus.
✅ How strength training can impact mobility and athleticism.
✅ Training considerations for rotational athletes.
✅ Evolving strength training from off-season to in-season programs.
✅ The role of technology in assessing and guiding strength development.
✅ Strategies for maintaining strength with low volume in-season.
✅ The critical role of sleep in athlete performance and recovery.
✅ Balancing physical stressors with broader life stressors for athletes.
✅ The value of mentorship for aspiring strength and conditioning coaches.
📲 Connect with Eric: EricCressey.com | Instagram: @ericcressey
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