The term “athletic development” has become a bit of a buzzword in the fitness industry in recent years. Many people use it and other similar buzzwords together to try to sell you their method, often times bashing the tried and true methods of training.
What is Athletic Development?
To put it simply, the goal of this is to get your stronger, more explosive, increase your work capacity, and increase attributes specific to your sport. For example, a wrestler (or grappler, BJJ athletes included here) would benefit from increased cardio ability along with increased grip strength and flexibility. Simply put, make you a better all around athlete so the specific skills you use in your sport are enhanced as well.
What are my options?
Club Programming
Club programming focuses on weightlifting (which will without a doubt result in a higher athletic ability). For most, club programming will easily accomplish your goals.
Customized Programming
Already advanced athletes or those with high level goals (international level competition) will find the personalized programming will maximize their benefit, especially for athletes whose general fitness level is already very high.