Working out with Notre Dame's strength coach, Loren Landow, was an eye-opening experience. I learned three key lessons that highlight the importance of a holistic approach to athletic training. Firstly, the warm-up is crucial, as it assesses players' stability and mobility, which can vary widely. Landow's meticulous warm-up routine, which includes a series of movements targeting different body parts, helps identify areas of weakness and prepares the body for the upcoming workout. This personalized approach ensures that players are ready for the specific demands of their sport, as evidenced by the success of former Notre Dame players who have continued to benefit from Landow's training even after leaving the university.
Secondly, strength training goes beyond lifting heavy weights. Landow's program focuses on training muscles and tendons, emphasizing the importance of time under tension and isometric holds. This approach aims to improve durability and reduce the risk of injuries, which is crucial in a sport like football, where collisions are inevitable. By incorporating these techniques, Landow has helped Notre Dame maintain a healthy and available team throughout the season, with players recovering from ACL tears rather than soft-tissue injuries.
Lastly, routine and competition go hand in hand. Landow's training sessions often include competitive elements, such as grip strength challenges, to keep players engaged and motivated. This approach not only adds variety to the workout but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition. The players' curiosity and eagerness to understand the 'why' behind each exercise further emphasize the importance of education and communication in athletic training. Overall, Landow's training methods demonstrate that a well-rounded approach, combining routine and competition, can lead to improved performance and a more enjoyable training experience.
