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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 essent

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 Perf

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 th

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

See Checklist at the End of the Page Aging well is not about merely adding years to your life but adding quality and vigor to those years. The STRIDE Adult Program is designed for individuals in their mid-40s and beyond who want to optimize their health, strength, and endurance through evidence-based testing, training, and supplementation. Drawing from the latest science in longevity and performance, here’s why STRIDE stands apart and how it can transform your approach to wel

At FAST Athletics, we obsess over the details that drive performance. While speed, strength, and power often steal the spotlight, the foundation of all movement lies beneath us: the feet. Overlooking foot strength is like building a house on sand—no matter how strong the frame is, the foundation will collapse under pressure. Feet: The Hidden Limiter of Force ProductionYour legs and hips might be powerful, but if your feet can't handle or transfer that force, you're losing out

In the realm of athletic development, maintaining and enhancing speed is crucial for optimal performance. One effective strategy to achieve this, especially during the in-season, is micro-dosing speed training. This approach involves incorporating short, high-intensity speed sessions into an athlete's routine to preserve and potentially improve speed without causing excessive fatigue. Understanding Micro-Dosing in Speed Training Micro-dosing refers to the practice of administ

Why CrossFit Is Not Ideal for Athletes Training for Their Sport As a performance coach with over 20 years of experience specializing in hockey players, I’ve encountered many questions about training methodologies. One frequent inquiry is whether CrossFit is suitable for athletes looking to improve their performance in sports. The short answer is no. While CrossFit offers some benefits for general fitness enthusiasts, its principles and practices often clash with the specific

This past month, FAST has been on a mission to make our community the fastest in the state! We've tested over 50 athletes so far, and we're aiming to double that number this month. Our athletes are already showing huge improvements in both sprint technique and top speed — and we're just getting started! USR Program Training Process: Welcome to our speed training program! Here's a glimpse of what our athletes experience in every session as part of the USR Program. We focus on

At FAST Athletics, we believe that speed is the game-changer for any athlete, no matter the sport. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the USR Speed Lab, a data-driven, athlete-centric system designed to track, test, and train speed like never before. By using cutting-edge technology developed by former track athletes, sports scientists, and tech experts, the Universal Speed Rating (USR) helps athletes improve their performance while keeping them healthy and injury-free. He

As the summer winds down and the fall season approaches, athletes often shift their focus from off-season training to in-season competition. While it might seem tempting to reduce or even pause structured training as sports schedules get busier, it's crucial to understand the long-term consequences of doing so. This is where Vladimir Issurin's model of residual training effects provides critical insights. Issurin's research emphasizes the importance of maintaining key physica

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy for kids to fall into the trap of having things done for them. While this might seem like a way to ensure their success and happiness, it often leads to a lack of self-esteem and personal growth. On the other hand, kids who engage in hard work, especially through activities like strength training, tend to develop higher self-esteem and a stronger sense of commitment. Here’s why hard work matters and how strength training can be the catal

At FAST Athletics, we are dedicated to maximizing your athletic performance. One of the key strategies we use to enhance speed and agility in sports is Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP). By incorporating weights and plyometric exercises, we harness the power of PAP to ensure our athletes get the most out of their training sessions. In this blog, we'll explore what PAP is, why it works, and how FAST Athletics optimizes it to transform your strength into sport-specific speed a

Are you ready to elevate your performance in sports like hockey, basketball, volleyball, or track and field? Isometric training could be your secret weapon. Let's dive deeper into how different types of isometric exercises can enhance specific movements crucial for success in these sports. 1. Static Holds: Precision, Stability, and Myelination for Technical Sports Static holds can make a significant difference in sports requiring precise movements and stability, such as hocke

Introduction:In the dynamic world of youth sports, where speed, agility, and explosiveness are prized attributes, parents and coaches alike seek effective methods to help young athletes reach their full potential. While traditional methods of strength training and speed development are essential components of any athletic program, there's a hidden gem that often goes overlooked: forced plyometrics. In this blog post, we'll delve into the benefits of forced plyometrics for kid

Is strength training safe for kids?A question that many parents have is whether strength training is safe for kids. As a parent, I completely understand the concern. But as a veteran strength coach, I also understand that the concern is unfounded. As an article by New York Times health columnist Gretchen Reynolds explains, the misunderstanding can likely be traced back to the 1970s when researchers studied child laborers in Japan and concluded that the children were often abn

In the realm of sports and athletics, speed is often the differentiating factor between success and mediocrity. Whether you're sprinting down the ice, field, or court, making quick lateral movements, or accelerating past your opponents, mastering the art of speed is essential for achieving peak performance. At FAST Athletics, we understand the importance of speed and offer comprehensive training programs designed to unlock your full athletic potential. Start Speed and Acceler

Written By Jayme Pantekoek | Published October 22nd 2023 Creatine and beta-alanine are two of the most popular and well-researched supplements for improving athletic performance and overall health. They are often taken together because they have complementary effects and can work synergistically to enhance their benefits. Creatine can provide the muscles with more energy, while beta-alanine can help to reduce muscle fatigue. This combination of effects can lead to significant