Athletes often wonder why their speed doesn’t improve during the in-season, despite all the running and sprinting they do in practice. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we see this issue regularly. The main reason is that in-season practices focus more on conditioning for the sport rather than true speed development. Conditioning is crucial, but it doesn’t always help athletes get faster. Let me explain why and how you can fix this problem. Understanding Why Speed Doesn’t Im

Athletes who want to move faster, change direction quickly, and stay injury-free need strong hips. One muscle stands out as a key player in all these movements: the glute medius. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we focus on developing this muscle because it supports balance, power, and control in every sport. Why the Glute Medius Matters in Sports The glute medius is a small but mighty muscle on the side of your hip. It plays a huge role in movements that involve lateral ch

Speed is a game-changer in almost every sport. Whether you’re sprinting down the field, chasing a ball, or making a quick break, faster movement can give you the edge you need to outperform your competition. I’ve spent years studying and applying speed development techniques, and I’m excited to share practical, actionable advice that can help athletes at any level improve their speed. This post will guide you through the essentials of speed training, from foundational exercis

Hannah Baskin’s story is one of dedication, growth, and success in girls’ hockey. Starting as an eighth grader training at FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, she has climbed the ranks to become a key player for the Duluth Bulldogs in Division 1 hockey. Now, she is making her mark in the professional world with the Toronto team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Let’s explore her path, the role of early training, and how her hard work has shaped her career. Eye-level

Training for sports is not just about working hard every day. It’s about working smart throughout the year. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we focus on planning your training so you can perform your best when it counts. This plan is called periodization. It helps you know when to work hard, when to rest, and when to peak for competitions. Why Having a Competition Calendar Matters The first step in planning your year is to know your competition dates. These are the days you w

Minnetonka hockey standout Rory Guilday built an elite career from Minnesota high school hockey at Minnetonka High School Skippers to NCAA Division I at Cornell Big Red women's ice hockey, winning a World Championship with Team USA, being drafted by the Ottawa Charge, and earning a spot on the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team.

Paige Kalal’s journey from a high school standout in Minnesota to a key player for Penn State’s women’s soccer team shows how focused off-season training can shape an athlete’s career. One important part of her development came from FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, where she honed her skills and physical fitness during crucial off-season periods. This post explores how FAST Athletics contributed to Paige’s growth, highlights her impressive soccer achievements, and shows how her

Speed is one of the most critical attributes in soccer. Whether you are sprinting down the wing, chasing a loose ball, or closing down an opponent, your ability to move quickly can make all the difference. Over the years, I have seen countless athletes transform their game by focusing on the speed training we do at FAST Athletics in Minnetonka. This post will dive deep into how you can enhance your soccer performance by improving your speed, with practical tips and proven met

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are a significant concern in soccer, especially among female athletes. These injuries can sideline players for months and sometimes even end promising careers. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we focus on a comprehensive approach that combines strength training with specific nervous system movements to reduce the risk of ACL injuries. Understanding the role of the hips, ankles, and feet in stabilizing the knee is crucial to this proce

When I first started sprinting, I quickly realized that raw speed alone wasn’t enough to excel. Sprinting is a science, a blend of power, precision, and technique. Mastering sprint mechanics is essential to unlock your full potential and avoid injury. Over the years, I’ve learned that expert sprint techniques coaching can transform your performance, no matter your age or experience level. In this post, I’ll share practical insights and actionable tips to help you master sprin

When it comes to unlocking your full athletic potential, the right training environment makes all the difference. I’ve seen firsthand how a focused, well-structured athletics training center can transform raw talent into refined skill and explosive performance. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to compete at the highest levels, the journey to peak performance demands dedication, expert guidance, and a supportive community. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to e

When it comes to youth sports performance training, Fast Athletics in Minnetonka offers some of the best opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills, speed, and coordination. As someone deeply invested in athletic development, I’ve seen firsthand how the right training environment can transform a young athlete’s potential into real results. FAST Athletics in Minnetonka is a prime example of a facility that combines expert coaching, tailored programs, and a suppo

When it comes to hockey, speed is not just an advantage - it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a youth athlete just starting out or a college-level player aiming to optimize your performance, developing explosive speed and agility can transform your game. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we specialize in tailored speed training programs designed specifically for hockey players. I’m excited to share how our approach can help you or your athlete reach new heights on the ice. Why Sp

When it comes to athletic training, finding the right program that fits your needs and goals is crucial. In Minnetonka, the options are plentiful, but not all training facilities deliver the same level of expertise and results. I’ve explored the best athletic training in Minnetonka to help you make an informed decision that will elevate your performance, whether you’re just starting out or aiming for the pros. Why Choose FAST Athletics Training in Minnetonka? FAST Athletics i

When you think about fitness, yoga often comes to mind as a go-to for flexibility, balance, and mental calm. But what if I told you that yoga alone might not be enough, especially for women who want to build muscle and improve bone density? At FAST/STRIDE, we work in the same building as a fantastic yoga business, and together, we offer a complete fitness solution that covers all your needs. Yoga is excellent for movement and stretching, but actual strength training is essen

When I first discovered Peak Performance Twin Cities , in Minnetonka, Minnesota , I realized they were not just another training center. They offer something unique - a powerful combination of mental performance training and physical strength conditioning in one building. This approach creates a synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Imagine a 1+1=3 model where mental edge and physical power come together to unlock true athletic potential. Why Mental P

Soccer is a dynamic sport that demands agility, speed, and endurance. As someone deeply involved in youth and competitive soccer, I’ve seen firsthand how injuries can sideline promising athletes. That’s why I’m passionate about strength training as a key strategy to prevent injuries and enhance performance. Partnering with Tonka United Soccer Club in Minnetonka, I’ve gathered valuable insights on how strength training can keep players on the field and at their best. Why Stren

When it comes to maximizing athletic potential, scheduling team training sessions effectively is just as important as the training itself. Whether you are working with youth athletes building their foundations or college-level competitors fine-tuning their skills, the timing, structure, and consistency of training can make or break progress. I’ve seen firsthand how a well-planned training calendar can transform a team’s performance, boost motivation, and reduce burnout. In t

When I first began training athletes, I noticed a curious pattern. Right after introducing a new training load, performance often dips temporarily. This can be frustrating for both the athlete and the coach. However, this dip is not a sign of failure but a natural and necessary phase. After this initial drop, there is a profound increase in performance, driven by new strength, power, speed, and nervous system enhancement. Understanding this process is crucial for anyone serio

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