Vertimax Vive

Will Hitzelberger, as the Founder and President of SPECTRUM, has made significant strides in sports performance training, particularly in soccer. He is a VertiMax ambassador and has been a Certified VertiMax Master Trainer and Presenter, leveraging VertiMax equipment to redefine soccer training with innovative techniques.   Will sits down with Al to talk about what’s really lacking in soccer for the average athlete. Unfortunately, there is just not enough emphasis on strength & conditioning training and if you really want to become a high-level player, you have to make time outside of your club to get your body conditioned right.   Key Takeaways: [2:00] As a young father, how does Will think about sports and coaching differently? [3:55] As a coach, how do you get an edge and become a great coach? [6:10] Athletes have to incorporate more strength and conditioning training into their routine if they want to be high-level soccer players. [8:00] What movements should soccer players be paying attention to? [10

Will Hitzelberger, as the Founder and President of SPECTRUM, has made significant strides in sports performance training, particularly in soccer. He is a VertiMax ambassador and has been a Certified VertiMax Master Trainer and Presenter, leveraging VertiMax equipment to redefine soccer training with innovative techniques.   In this episode, we learn about Will’s experience working with the Jamaican women’s national soccer team. At the beginning, Will had to learn how to work with the limited resources he had. Many of his players didn’t have proper shoes or even nutrition. He had to think outside of the box to get these women qualified for the World Cup.    Key Takeaways: [1:40] Will was the sports performance coach for the Jamaican women’s national soccer team. [3:50] Bob Marley’s daughter, Cedella Marley, is a big advocate and voice in the soccer community.  [5:30] Education is the name of the game when building up a sports team in a developing country.  [6:15] Will had to adapt a ‘no excuses’ mentality when

Will Hitzelberger, as the Founder and President of SPECTRUM, has made significant strides in sports performance training, particularly in soccer. He is a VertiMax ambassador and has been a Certified VertiMax Master Trainer and Presenter, leveraging VertiMax equipment to redefine soccer training with innovative techniques.   In this episode, we learn a little bit about Will and some of his ambassador and master trainer duties at VertiMax. He shares his entrepreneurial journey and how it’s all been possible using VertiMax’s equipment and offers insight into why he loves working with the VertiMax brand.   Key Takeaways: [1:20] A little bit about Will. [3:20] Will has four Spectrum facilities and helps athletes with resistance work, rehab, and more. [4:25] Why did Will get into youth athletes? [7:25] How did Will’s coaching center evolve over the years? [11:15] Why does Will love using VertiMax? [13:10] As a VertiMax Master Trainer and Ambassador, what does an average day look like for Will? [14:50] How do you be

Itam (I.T.) Antigha, more commonly referred to as "I.T.", is one of the members of the VertiMax Team as part of the Inside Sales and Client Support team. He is responsible for supporting and serving the VertiMax community by organizing personalized visits to educate, engage and develop relationships with coaches, trainers, and athletes.   I.T. often helps clients with information around maintaining their Vertimax in the best condition possible. In this episode, he speaks with Al on some of the signs you need to be aware of when it comes to replacing your Vertimax resistance bands.    Key Takeaways: [1:55] What’s the difference between a vertimax band and an average resistance band?  [3:50] On average, how long do Vertimax bands last?  [5:00] When does it make sense to change the bands? Are there signs to look out for?  [6:45] Can the client/owner change the bands themselves? Yes!  [8:40] How do you find replacement bands?  [10:15] It’s important to know that you’ll be replacing the set of bands with your Vert

Itam (I.T.) Antigha, more commonly referred to as "I.T.", is one of the members of the VertiMax Team as part of the Inside Sales and Client Support team. He is responsible for supporting and serving the VertiMax community by organizing personalized visits to educate, engage and develop relationships with coaches, trainers, and athletes.   I.T. is back with another informative episode with Al. They talk about how linebackers can improve their movements with specific drills that help them move in a versatile direction. Linebacker requirements have changed over the years, and are required to be developed into more speedy blockers. Here’s some drills to consider when you’re improving your linear and lateral movements.   Key Takeaways: [1:15] A little bit about I.T. and what he does at team Vertimax.  [1:50] Linebacker position in football has changed dramatically over the years.  [4:20] Being able to work forwards and backwards is key to a well-developed linebacker.  [4:35] I.T. explains the Angle Drill.  [5:55]

Brett Kuehn is a sports and human performance enthusiast, athlete, and mentor to Team VertiMax. He is a USMC veteran and business development professional at VertiMax. Brett’s passion is to help others achieve their goals whether they are an athlete looking to improve their speed, agility, and verticals; a coach looking to help their athletes gain an edge, or a sports performance owner or trainer seeking new ways to increase their business.    Al and Brett talk about some different ways you can improve your volleyball game during the off-season. He just got back from a training camp session and has some interesting insights to share on what athletes are doing to improve their jumps, agility, and net drills in this week’s episode.    Key Takeaways: [2:25] If you want to get far in volleyball, you need to jump high. You can’t forget this part during the off-season.  [3:45] Aside from using the VertiMax with multiple athletes, resistance bands are very helpful to target certain areas.  [4:55] Brett talks about w

Brett Kuehn is a sports and human performance enthusiast, athlete, and mentor to Team VertiMax. He is a USMC veteran and business development professional at VertiMax. Brett’s passion is to help others achieve their goals whether they are an athlete looking to improve their speed, agility, and verticals; a coach looking to help their athletes gain an edge, or a sports performance owner or trainer seeking new ways to increase their business.    Al and Brett talk about some of the fun ways you can get your kid excited and moving in youth baseball. Kids need to be engaged and their circummlum needs to be fun or else they’ll never want to go. Brett breaks down some routines for you to train to get children moving and consistent.    Key Takeaways: [1:00] What are some fun ways to train for youth baseball? [1:50] Brett breaks down some fun baseball warmups.  [3:20] Best hitting drills you can use for your young athletes.  [6:35] Al loves seeing his kids have a relay race at the very end of each practice.  [7:30] If

Kerry Bennett is a VertiMax Master Trainer and Ambasador. Kerry is a former NFL player with the Washington Redskins and has successfully transitioned into a renowned sports performance coach. With a degree in kinesiology, he founded the Beast Bus, a mobile sports performance facility featuring advanced training equipment like VertiMax.   Al and Kerry talk about what it means to be a VertiMax trainer as well as a VertiMax ambassador. Kerry shares why he’s passionate about the VertiMax system and how it helps you stand out from a very saturated sports industry as a coach.    Key Takeaways: [1:50] A little bit about Kerry and his athletic career.  [5:10] What does it take to be a VertiMax Master Trainer? [7:55] Learn more about the VertiMax ambassador program.   [10:55] VertiMax trainer is unique in itself and separates you from other sports performance coaches.  [12:55] Kerry is also a community outreach partner in Texas. What has Kerry learned so far?  [16:40] Kerry loves being in this space because he’s alway

Jennifer George is the Women’s Basketball Strength Coach at Rollins College as well as the Director of Sports Performance at Bishop Moore Catholic High School. Jennifer is also the Founder of Girls Basketball Worldwide Foundation, a youth organization based in Orlando, Florida.    Al and Jennifer talk about the difference between coaching high school vs. college teams on this week’s episode. Jennifer has also played internationally and has seen a wide range of students come through her doors. She shares what it takes to be a well-rounded coach at the university level that takes into account the different athletic needs with each of her students.      Key Takeaways: [1:05] A little bit about Jennifer and her athletic career.  [1:35] What are some of the differences between playing pro in the US vs. internationally?  [4:45] Jennifer has coached both high school and college. What are some of the pros and cons of both? [9:30] Jennifer is able to push college women a little harder than the highschool team due to t

Jennifer George is the Women’s Basketball Strength Coach at Rollins College as well as the Director of Sports Performance at Bishop Moore Catholic High School. Jennifer is also the Founder of Girls Basketball Worldwide Foundation, a youth organization based in Orlando, Florida.    Al and Jennifer talk about women’s sports and certain challenges that women face when they’re playing a sport to its fullest potential. Although the United States has done better when it comes to bridging the gap between male and female sports, it’s still not perfect.    Key Takeaways: [2:00] A little bit about Jennifer and her athletic career.  [3:35] Jennifer shares the moment she knew she wanted to make basketball her career.  [9:00] What kind of challenges has Jennifer faced in her sport’s career?  [11:20] 40% of girls drop out of sports in middle school due to lack of opportunities.  [12:50] Representation matters at all levels, and not just in sports.  [14:30] Jennifer is passionate about closing the gap between male and femal

Jennifer George is the Women’s Basketball Strength Coach at Rollins College as well as the Director of Sports Performance at Bishop Moore Catholic High School. Jennifer is also the Founder of Girls Basketball Worldwide Foundation, a youth organization based in Orlando, Florida.    Jennifer joins Al to discuss her Foundation and why there’s a deep need to help underprivileged players that are on sports scholarships. Sports have the ability to elevate your mindset and your quality of life, and Jennifer shares why it’s important to encourage our youth of today to continue playing in these sports programs.    Key Takeaways: [2:00] A little bit about Jennifer and her athletic history. [3:20] Why did Jennifer Found the Girls Basketball Worldwide Foundation? [4:50] So few go on to play in the WNBA/NBA, but that shouldn’t deter people from playing sports. Sports can teach you so much.  [7:15] What’s next for Jennifer and her Foundation?     VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube Verti

Mario Garza is the Director of Baseball Development at the New York Yankees. As a former pro baseball athlete for the Houston Astros, Mario uses his expertise to help develop baseball players to maximize their full potential and make them better.    Mario joins Al to discuss drill strategies for different baseball positions. He offers advice for both infield and outfield athletes looking to up their game and increase their explosive power. You don’t want to miss this quick 15-minute episode!    Key Takeaways: [1:35] A little bit about Mario and his work at the New York Yankees.  [2:45] What kind of drills should infield baseball athletes be practicing?  [3:45] It’s incredibly important to practice throwing at different angles.  [5:00] Mario explains what a game clock drill is.  [6:05] What drills should outfield athletes be practicing? [8:25] You pay rent on speed. What does Mario mean by this?  [10:10] You have to actively practice increasing your speed. Don’t take it for granted.  [12:45] Mario offers trick

Mario Garza is the Director of Baseball Development at the New York Yankees. As a former pro baseball athlete for the Houston Astros, Mario uses his expertise to help develop baseball players to maximize their full potential and make them better.    Mario joins Al to share insights into what it takes to nurture the next generation of MLB stars. They dive into the evolving landscape of player development, the role of a development coach, and Mario offers advice for parents on fostering athletic talent in young children in this week’s episode!    Key Takeaways: [1:25] A little bit about Mario and his work at the New York Yankees.  [3:30] What does a player development coach mean?  [5:35] How has player development improved over the years?  [7:50] How should parents be thinking about cultivating athletic talent in their children? [12:20] Is there a blueprint on what the MLB is looking for or does it depend on each team?  [13:10] 8 months out of the year, you’re in full competition mode.  [13:40] It’s important t

Brett Kuehn is a sports and human performance enthusiast, athlete, and mentor to Team VertiMax. He is a USMC veteran and business development professional at VertiMax. Brett’s passion is to help others achieve their goals whether they are an athlete looking to improve their speed, agility, and verticals; a coach looking to help their athletes gain an edge, or a sports performance owner or trainer seeking new ways to increase their business.    Brett and Al discuss ways to get your athlete warmed up and ready during football season. Here are some quick and easy runningback drills that you can practice. They offer different methods and variations so that you can trigger both lateral and vertical movements.    Key Takeaways: [2:00] The jumpcut drill.  [3:20] Rapid response line drill.  [4:25] The Lateral drill. [5:35] Cone hop variations.  [6:35] The sweep drill.  [7:45] The VertiMax app also has a complete football training program!    VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube Vert

Brett Kuehn is a sports and human performance enthusiast, athlete, and mentor to Team VertiMax. He is a USMC veteran and business development professional at VertiMax. Brett’s passion is to help others achieve their goals whether they are an athlete looking to improve their speed, agility, and verticals; a coach looking to help their athletes gain an edge, or a sports performance owner or trainer seeking new ways to increase their business.    Brett and Al discuss how the VertiMax Raptor is different from standard resistance bands and how you can leverage this equipment to take your performance to the next level. The Raptor does so much more than just look fancy and both Brett and Al dive into how you can hence your speed, agility, and more in this week’s podcast.    Key Takeaways: [1:00] A little bit about Brett and the work he does at VertiMax. [2:35] What’s so great about the Vertimax Raptor? [4:35] Forward acceleration is a great exercise to practice on the Raptor.   [7:50] What’s the backpedal drill and

Brett Kuehn is a sports and human performance enthusiast, athlete, and mentor to Team VertiMax. He is a USMC veteran and business development professional at VertiMax. Brett’s passion is to help others achieve their goals whether they are an athlete looking to improve their speed, agility, and verticals; a coach looking to help their athletes gain an edge, or a sports performance owner or trainer seeking new ways to increase their business.    Brett and Al discuss why it’s beneficial to get your child to participate in multiple different sports. Sometimes children need variety and to also explore what they do or don’t like. There’s so many great sports out there, so don’t limit them to just one thing.    Key Takeaways: [1:10] What sports should kids play?  [3:05] Children can get burnt out playing only one sport. [4:30] Playing multiple sports helps reduce injuries.  [6:15] When you play multiple sports, you also keep your options open.  [7:15] As you get older, around highschool, then it makes sense to focus

Brett Kuehn is a sports and human performance enthusiast, athlete, and mentor to Team VertiMax. He is a USMC veteran and business development professional at VertiMax. Brett’s passion is to help others achieve their goals whether they are an athlete looking to improve their speed, agility, and verticals; a coach looking to help their athletes gain an edge, or a sports performance owner or trainer seeking new ways to increase their business.    Brett discusses five best ways to approach your athletes with kindness and how to build a meaningful connection with them while you are training them. Coaches might not realize the impact they have on these athletes and you can never really tell what’s actually going on at home. Coaches can be that one parental-figure or friend for that person. Here are some tips to bridge the gap between you and your team.    Key Takeaways: [1:45] Here’s why you want to connect first and then coach second. [3:15] Take some time to just listen to them. It goes a long way.  [4:45] What a

Brett Kuehn is a sports and human performance enthusiast, athlete, and mentor to Team VertiMax. He is a USMC veteran and business development professional at VertiMax. Brett’s passion is to help others achieve their goals whether they are an athlete looking to improve their speed, agility, and verticals; a coach looking to help their athletes gain an edge, or a sports performance owner or trainer seeking new ways to increase their business.    Brett is back on the podcast to talk about the pros and cons of a youth football camp. Both Brett and Al are fathers and coaches, so they weigh in on how your child might most benefit from a camp when it comes to their athletic ability as well as building life-long skill sets such as leadership and team collaboration.    Key Takeaways: [2:00] What are some of the benefits of a youth football camp?  [3:55] A good youth football camp will help kid improve their discipline and work ethic.  [5:20] There are a wide variety of different mentors and role models at these camps

Mike Weaving is the Head Coach for the Sickles High School Men’s Basketball Program in Tampa, Florida. Mike has over 13 years of coaching basketball at the Middle and High School Levels and is currently in his Fourth season with the Men’s high school team. Mike received a BS in exercise science and an MS in coaching.   In this episode, Mike shares what coaches need to be thinking about when they’re training their athletes during the off-season. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense for them to go directly into an intensive cardio program and there are other things to think about before putting together a workout plan. Mike breaks down his process in this week’s episode.    Key Takeaways: [1:10] What does Mike like to think about when putting together an off-season program?  [2:30] Sometimes Mike just opens the gym up and the team is ready to go, but if he’s working with younger athletes, he has to be much more diligent in training them.  [4:25] In the spring and summer, Mike likes to focus on strength and explosive

Jessie Ehren is the VertiMax International Training and Events Coordinator, where she makes sure VertiMax users are set up for success and certified to use the VertiMax equipment.   In this episode, Jessie talks about some of the exciting things happening at this year’s Annual VertiMax Summit, hosted in Tampa, Florida. This is your chance to network and learn from the very best in sport’s performance. Be sure to register and book now for the event on October 7th.    Key Takeaways: [1:20] Jessie shares some of her responsibilities overseas at VertiMax. [2:15] This year VertiMax will be celebrating their 6th annual summit.  [3:45] VertiMax has three big keynote speakers this year! Jessie gives a sneak preview on what to expect.  [4:35] Martin Rooney will share how to get the most out of your athletes and your training regiment.  [6:40] Gunnar Peterson will be talking about how to position yourself as an industry leader to get endless clients.  [8:25] Loren Landow will be the third keynote speaker, and he will b