SPORTS performance training helps an athlete take his game to the next level.
“As a CNMI national basketball player for four years, I was part of an exclusive group of core athletes who were required to be disciplined, committed and focused,” said Jerry Diaz, a certified National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer.
He said a typical athlete’s program includes a sleep schedule, conditioning-training at least twice a week, skills-training at least three times a week, and a daily review of one’s progress.
“I was a starting player of our team,” Diaz said. “So I know that there are no days-off when it comes to competing. There are always other players who are training as hard as the next person and who are ready to represent their teams.”
In order to maximize one’s potential through sports performance training, Diaz said an individual must consider the following:
• Individualized programming. Professional athletes hire certified trainers to help guide them in enhancing their level of performance.
• Group training. Many players who are unable to access certified trainers can train with team trainers. Training in a group allows each player to learn from their peers when they need specific demonstrations of sporting skills.
• Assessment. Professional coaches and trainers understand the importance of assessing their players’ performance progress after a period of training camp. This also helps them identify the next training steps to be taken prior to the competition.
• Warming up. It is essential to one’s muscle tissues, joints/ligaments, blood flow and oxygen usage. Warming up helps prevents injuries.
• Nutrition. Fueling up appropriately prior to training or competition will provide an individual with the necessary energy to perform at the highest level.
• Recovery. Professional trainers and coaches understand the importance of avoiding over-training which can lead to injuries. Proper rest allows an athlete’s body and muscle tissues to lower inflammation and heal. And this allows the body to again compete or train at a higher level.
Diaz said he also teaches his clients how to access their “flow mindset” and get “In the Zone.”
“As a certified personal trainer, I must continue to learn and evolve to be able to guide athletes to perform safely at the highest level of competition. I am currently studying to acquire sports performance certification from EXOS Elite,” Diaz said.
For professional fitness nutrition inquiries, contact Jerry Diaz on Instagram at @BBJ_Athletics or through his Facebook page.
Photos show Jerry Diaz performing a barbell push press as part of his performance training session at BBJ Athletics Camp.
Contributed photos
