Limited Budget?

 "I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people." -Indira Gandhi

Mystery Guest

"This week's Mystery Guest served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1975-1979 and then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Penn State in 1983. From 1983-84, he was a Health Fitness Supervisor at Princeton. From 1984-90, he was the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Rutgers University. In 1990, he returned to Princeton University and is now the Coordinator of Health Fitness, Strength and Conditioning. He has authored more than 160 articles that have appeared in 32 different publications and three books. He has also co-authored a book with the coach of the Boston Celtics. He has been invited to speak at local, state, regional and national clinics and seminars throughout the US and Canada."

If this one is too tough, comeback Wednesday for a clue!

**Note** Much of this bio was taken from another website. We will give credit on Friday.

Limited Budget?

StrongerAthletes.com understands that there are some programs, high schools, particularly, that have a limited budget. Due to the cost of most weight equipment, sometimes fundraisers just don't cut-it. Buying quality machines takes quite a bit of money, even when used. However, there are some great machines out there that make for a great workout.

If you are a coach that would like to train 45 or more athletes at one time and do not have the equipment, because of low budget or failed fund raising, have no fear. All you need is 5 power racks, 5 bench presses, 15 barbells, and weight. The cost of this equipment is under $8000 easy.

Can you get an efficient workout using this limited amount of equipment? You bet you can. Athletes can work in 3’s and train 45 athletes in a 45 minute period. 15 athletes start at the bench press, 15 at the deadlift, and 15 at the squat. That is efficient. Sure you might not be able to do some exercises like dips and pulldowns, but there are other effective exercises that you can do. We have come across facilities on a low budget before and trained these athletes with much success.

What ever you use, train hard, brief, to failure and increase reps or weight every time you can. Strength gains are based off of these factors no matter what equipment you use. Remember, you can always find a way to gain strength. There is no replacement for hard work and it can be done with minimal amounts of equipment. Top name equipment is great but not 100% necessary for a successful strength training program.

We would love to hear some of your strategies for planning a weight room budget.

Coach Rody
StrongerAthletes.com