FAQS

 

WON'T GETTING STRONGER MAKE ME SLOW AND STIFF?

  • Speed is a function of force output to body weight. In simpler terms- leaner, stronger athletes will be faster. 

  • Becoming stiff is due to a lack of mobility work.

  • Strength training paired with mobility work, increase joint range of motion. 

WON'T LIFTING WEIGHTS DURING THE SEASON MAKE ME TOO SORE TO PERFORM WELL?

  • I've written a short article further explaining why this way of thinking is severely flawed. I'll be happy to share it with you.

  • If you strength train correctly, you won't be very sore. Most "gym bros" train to get sore. Good strength coaches minimize soreness without sacrificing progress.

WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE TO START?

  • Research does not support rumors of strength training having adverse effects on growth development. The earlier you start, the better.

  • Injury in young strength-training athletes stems from improper technique, knowledge, and lack of appropriate supervision. The strength training itself is not problematic. As an example,

    • What does a young athlete do in physical therapy? Strength train!

  • 'The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is right now.'

WILL LIFTING HEAVY WEIGHTS HURT MY ARM?

  • Lifting heavy with poor form, poor exercise selection, and without proper mobility work and prehab will likely hurt your arm. 

  • Properly periodized heavy lifting matched with appropriate movement selection will significantly reduce the risk of injury.

  • Appropriate strength training, proper mobility work, and efficient mechanics increase throwing performance.

WHAT SHOULD I EAT?

  • I can't think of a more nuanced topic than nutrition. There's conflicting evidence everywhere you look. 

  • Eat plenty of protein (1g per pound bodyweight per day), eat things that come directly from the earth and animals, and eat a consistent amount (calories matter). 

  • Nothing in nutrition is a simple yes/no, all or nothing answer. I'd be happy to answer more specific questions.

HOW DO I GAIN MUSCLE BUT NOT FAT?

  • To manage expectations- It is impossible to gain muscle without simultaneously adding some fat purely. 

  • The goal is to minimize fat gain while still getting leaner (I can explain this concept further).

  • The short answer: Remain in a slight calorie surplus while training consistently, eating enough protein, eating well, and most importantly sleeping consistently enough.

HOW DO I LOSE FAT WITHOUT LOSING STRENGTH?

  • In a growing athlete, you never want to restrict calories much. It has negative growth implications and will wreck their metabolism.

  • The goal should be to very slowly improve body composition by increasing muscle mass.