Agape Physical Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "functional" training?
How can training my core improve my performance?
What exactly do you mean by sport specific training?
How many sessions does it take to see results?
How is improvement in performance measured?
How often should training sessions be scheduled?
What should we work on between sessions?
What is the duration of one training session?
What kind of activities and or exercises will be performed during the sessions?
What type of clothing should be worn for training?
What types of equipment are utilized?
Who should participate in the Advantage Sports Performance program?
When should the Advantage Sports Performance program be incorporated?
Most of your coaches have the letters CSCS after their names. What does that stand for?
How often should an athlete train when in-season?
Why should one stretch dynamically?
When is payment due?

What is "functional" training?: Functional training is training with a purpose or target activity in mind. Unlike traditional forms of strength or power training which focuses on isolation of specific muscles, functional training in simplest terms is integrated, proprioceptively enriched multi-directional movement. It is based on training in all three planes of movement at varying levels, speeds and rhythms.
How can training my core improve my performance?: "Core" training targets the muscles controlled by the central nervous system, the command station that controls and directs all movement. These include muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and hips. Increasing strength of the muscles and improving their function will lead to better balance, body control, strength in the extremities and lower rates of injury.
What exactly do you mean by sport specific training?: Each sport is different, and so is each athlete. We tailor our program based on the athlete's age, developmental level, athletic ability, sport, and goals. Therefore, each program is different. However, at ASP we understand the demands of your sport and will design a program with that in mind. For example, a sport that requires much jumping and cutting, such as basketball, will have a program designed to increase vertical leap, agility, acceleration speed, and core strength.
How many sessions does it take to see results?: At ASP, we require a minimum of 8 sessions with our one-on-one training and 10 sessions with our group training packages. The reason, it takes time for your body to acclimate to this type of training for optimal results. However, with hard work and commitment, we guarantee to see results after 8 sessions. We will even show you the pre- and post-testing graphs to prove it.
How is improvement in performance measured?: The sports performance coach will employ a number of sport-specific tests in the initial evaluation. These tests cover all areas including but not limited to muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, core stability/balance, speed, agility. A post-test will follow the session package to compare results and evaluate improvements. A posture and flexibility screen is also given in the initial evaluation to rule out any potential muscle imbalances that may predispose one to future injury.
How often should training sessions be scheduled?: It really depends on age and training level. For our younger or lesser experienced athletes we generally would recommend 1-2 session per week to allow for adequate recovery from muscle fatigue between sessions. For our more experienced clients, we recommend 2-3 sessions per week depending on their sport schedule.
What should we work on between sessions?: It depends on the individual. We'll recommend some simple complimentary exercises that can be done at home to increase flexibility, balance, strength, speed, or agility depending on the athlete's main goals.
What is the duration of one training session?: Typically one session lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.
What kind of activities and or exercises will be performed during the sessions?: A typical session starts off with a dynamic warm up followed by core exercises and balance training to stimulate the central nervous system. Most often speed training drills; power exercises and strength training are performed. The exercise selection and progression is based upon results from initial testing and the stated goals of the individual and or team.
What type of clothing should be worn for training?: Appropriate attire should be worn during each session. For example t-shirts, gym shorts and sneakers would be acceptable attire. Having supportive sneakers that are in good condition would be the best choice. Your performance coach may suggest you bring cleats for specific exercises. A water bottle is highly recommended.
What types of equipment are utilized?: It depends on the athlete's age and developmental level. We will typically begin with one's own body weight and gravity as resistance. Further progression will involve equipment such as medicine balls, resistance cords, dumbbells, unstable devices, stability balls, slide boards to name a few. The advantage of this type of equipment is that is emphasizes full freedom of movement in all planes of movement at varying speeds and levels specific to one's sport. Traditional forms of weight training such as Olympic lifts and plyometrics will also be used in strength and power development.
Who should participate in the Advantage Sports Performance program?: Both male and female athletes or non athletes ages 8 - 88 looking to take their game and physical conditioning to the next level.
When should the Advantage Sports Performance program be incorporated?: The beauty of the program is that it can be tailored to any athlete during pre-season, in-season or off-season depending on the individual's or team's needs and goals.
Most of your coaches have the letters CSCS after their names. What does that stand for?: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Each or our coaches are certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (www.nsca-lift.org). All of our Performance coaches are also NATA Certified Athletic Trainers (www.nata.org).
How often should an athlete train when in-season?: At least once a week for maintainence purposes
Why should one stretch dynamically?: Mimics speed and movement patterns of athletic skills.

Increases muscle extensibility and temperature.

Includes a conditioning component not found in static stretching.

Reduces boredom during warm-up.

Introduces the "core" into the warm-up to prepare it for intense activity.

Warms up the neurological system.

Aids in the reduction of post workout soreness associated with lactic acid build up within the muscle fibers.
When is payment due?: We accept payment in the form of cash, check or credit card.� Payment is required prior to the first training session and/or renewal of any training package.� Bimonthly payment plans are available.

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