Maximizing Youth Soccer Performance: The Importance of Off-Season Strength and Conditioning
As professional youth performance development coaches with years of experience in shaping young athletes, we understand the critical role that off-season strength and conditioning programs play in the development of youth soccer players. While honing technical skills is undoubtedly vital, dedicating time to enhance athleticism during the off-season can truly elevate a player’s game to […]
The Power of Strength Training for Young Athletes: Building Strong Bodies and Minds
A common question that parents of young athletes and children may ask at some point in their adolescent years, “is it safe for my child to engage in resistance or strength training?” The answer? Absolutely. With proper form and technique, it is not only safe, but hugely beneficial for all kids to begin strength training. […]
Do This Every Day To Help Prevent Burnout
How are you feeling lately? Stressed?Exhausted?Stretched thin, with a million things on your mind all day everyday?Run down, even on your days off? These are all signs of burnout and adrenal fatigue. It’s no fun – I’ve been there, and I think most of you reading this have felt this way at some point in […]
Ankle Mobility – Knee to Wall Stretch Test
Ever wonder if your ankle range of motion was sufficient for your exercise needs? Did you know that a common side effect of ankle sprains is actually losing the flexibility of your ankle bending forward on itself? Did you know that one facet of impaired squat depth could be a lack of ankle bend!? And […]
Shoulder Stabilization – Hanging Scapular Retraction
All right my ninja warriors, obstacle course race athletes, Cross-fitters, and ANYONE wanting to master the pull-up, this is one for you! I want you to take a second and appreciate how important our shoulder blade is and all the muscles that connect to it that impact how our shoulder and arms move in space. […]
14 Ways to ThinkFUN
At Empower we believe that how we experience life is intrinsically connected to how we think. You have probably heard this quote by Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” And this saying speaks to the essence of the importance of MINDSET. We encourage our clients to adopt an […]
Addressing Knees Over Toes
There is a common myth in the fitness industry that you cannot push your knees over your toes during lower body strengthening exercises. This is not the case and should be explained. It is often said that you are at a higher chance of injuring your knees if you go knees-over-toes during your exercises. Now, […]
Off Set Resistance Exercises
Offset resistance exercises are strength based movements that asymmetrically load one side of the body. This type of training can help improve coordination, motor control, and overall movement posture. Here are some examples of exercises using this method: ▪️REVERSE LUNGES – Place the weight on the same side as your working leg. Turn hips forward […]
Summer is Here
Summer is here and we are ready for all the good things that come along with these warmer months – like cook outs, beach/lake days and maybe a trip or two . . . AND, we think summer is a perfect time to refocus on your health and fitness! Here are a few things to […]
Single-Leg Squat Test
By: The Obstacle Doc Here is a helpful tip from our partners in health, physical therapists – Dr. Chris Kosobucki and Dr. Daniela Ortiz-Kosobucki. We love that they share their expert knowledge and best advice for maintaining healthy, strong bodies and exercises to help common orthopedic injuries with our team and our clients! One of […]