HHS session weighs in on many ways to lift for health

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The first “Raider Elite” strength and conditioning clinic for students and coaches gave advice on reaching the next level of fitness, whether it be for sports, fun or improved living.

It was held primarily by staff members of Larsen Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, with the help of prominent guest speakers from high school, NCAA, Olympic and professional levels, last Thursday for three hours right after school.

The program itinerary also included: health benefits of strength training, recovery and nutrition for the athlete, and concurrent workshops that included strength training concepts, core strengthening for sports, and Olympic lifts.

Last week, programs were held for coaches on Nov. 4 and students on Nov. 6 in the Hudson High School weight room. The student program included information to dispel myths of weight training, and data on female-focused weight training and proper technique and education.

The coaches’ session focused on weight training benefits for every athlete, free weight training, speed development, cardiovascular gain and planning a strength program. The session for students, especially, incorporated the results that come from providing a supportive and encouraging sports community, such as welcoming all athletes to train together, and weighed in on building determination.

Sponsors were the Hudson High School Athletic Department, Larsen Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy and XLathlete.com. Stephanie DeVos, Hudson High School athletic director, also played an active role.

Cal Dietz, a Hudson resident and head strength and conditioning coach for the Minnesota Gophers, donated his time and nationally renowned expertise on strength and conditioning. He has worked with many athletes, including Olympians, Big Ten athletes of the year and those on five professional sports leagues, including the NFL and NBA.

Guest speakers also included Gerry Uchytil, local speed, agility and quickness coach; Dan Teece of Larsen Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, a doctor of physical therapy who is involved in many areas of research; Jonathan Janz, now with the U of M, who has worked with numerous world- and Olympic class athletes; and Martha Brennan, coach of the UW-River Falls track and field team, which she led to a national title in 2008. She’s an Olympic Trials heptathlete, two-time NCAA title winner while at LSU and five-time all-American.

To encourage attendance, the first 50 students received prizes, and all participants were eligible for a drawing for a free iPOD, donated by Richard Larsen, said one of the organizers, Nate Brine. He works for Larsen Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy and serves as the certified athletic trainer for Hudson High School.

Tags: sports, hudson, raider_elite, fitness, clinic