Listen up Runners…You Need Cross Training

Did you know we lose strength and lean body mass at a rate much faster than any of us would like to know? And that is EVEN if you keep running. Running alone can’t stop the loss.

Running in ArizonaKicking off mile after mile isn’t enough stimulus to strengthen the body.  And a resistance or lifting program becomes even more  as the age of the runner increases.

Since running is pretty much a confined movement pattern that tends to ignore our comprehensive athletic skill development, it is important to challenge your total body as a runner.

What does this mean to you as a runner?

It means getting outside of your comfort zone and pushing the limits thru the implementation of diverse movement patterns that engage the body in ALL ways.

How can runners do this?

This is exactly how we train in small group sessions at AVC Elite Training. We continually mix things up, keeping the body challenged through the incorporation of:

  • Strength Work
  • Explosive Work
  • Core Strengthening and Control Work
  • Coordination and Agility Work
  • Balance Work
  • High Level Multi-Plane Work

Why is this important, even for an experienced runner?

Because functional, multidimensional training rewards a runner with:

  1. Decreased Injury Rates

  2. Improved Balance: After all, running is a series of single leg balances.

  3. Improved Speed and Agility: Both contribute to being a more skilled and efficient runner.

  4. Improved Jumping: Improving your spring and minimizing high loading rates that can cause stress fractures: Practice landing softly hitting those plyometrics.

  5. Improved Core Strength: Weaker Core= Weaker Runner

Runners on the Road

So even if you are not a runner or ever care to be, this form of training is beneficial for everyone to maintain a strong, healthy body and metabolism and slow down the aging process. And – above all and – MOST importantly, protecting and improving overall health!

Looking for a PR at your next race? Let Amy show you how AVC Elite Training can be the missing piece in your running training.

Optimum Fitness = Challenging, Safe & Effective

Amy’s training has helped me in so many ways. First, her program keeps me at an optimum fitness level.

Jumping RopAmy is always changing up the program so we are constantly challenged.

She spends hours studying and designing exercise programs that are safe AND effective.

Last, she makes exercising fun! Effective Exercise Programs

I look forward to seeing the girls and the guys at the end of my busy workday.

I can’t imagine my life without Amy and AVC Elite Training!

We love you, Coach!
~ Kelly

Learn more about how you too can achieve optimum fitness with small group training sessions in Mesa, Arizona.

The Latest Fitness Techniques Live Here

I am an “older” woman with a partial kneecap, scoliosis, a bad attitude, and sciatica!

TRX WorkoutAll that said, I truly believe I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been, even when I was younger!  Of course, I attribute it all to the years (20+) of training with Amy.

When Amy first started training, exercises were simple, yet effective. As the years went by, Amy has always updated her method of training, which has become much more challenging and intricate.

Today, Amy’s AVC Elite Training IS “elite,” following the latest techniques in the fitness world!

My muscles have NEVER been more confused (which is a good thing) or worked as hard as they are today!  I feel great!

Even though we’re in a group setting, Amy knows each of us, individually, and accommodates each of our “issues.”  She makes sure we’re very aware of how important our hydration is and that nutrition plays a big part in reaching our goals.

A heart rate monitor is a necessary part of our equipment, which allows Amy to “read” our bodies, making sure we are working out safely, yet effectively.

Plank on Medicine BallI’ve loved each and every “Amy workout;” the latest being the best and most effective for ME. There is NO ONE I trust more with my training than Amy Van Cleve!  I probably will be working out with Amy when I’m 80 years old…and I’m sure the workouts will be even more challenging!

~Linda

Whether you are –  Young or Young at Heart,  in ideal shape or want to gain strength, agility or endurance – AVC Elite Training is for you. Learn more today about small group training sessions in Mesa, Arizona.

The 7 Ways AVC Elite Training Workout Routines Beat Crossfit

In a market that is saturated with so many fitness and training options – Cross Fit, HIT or High Intensity Training, Body Pump and more – it can be difficult to know which training program and workout routines are best suited to meeting your needs.

AVC Elite Training is superior and different than a Crossfit or pre-packaged HIT workout. This post will help clear up the confusion by discussing the top 7 ways AVC Elite Training workout routines beat Crossfit.

#1: Form Beats Speed

Each Crossfit session features a Workout Of the Day (WOD) to be completed in a short amount of time – typically 20 minutes. Each WOD encourages use of very heavy weights on advanced exercises. The Crossfit emphasis is on speed and weight hoisted.

medicine ball plank formAVC Elite Training workout routines include on-going instruction focused on proper form. How quickly you can complete an entire workout is not a goal. Achieving desired results in terms of strength gains, stabilization or weight loss through safe, proficient execution of each exercise is the objective.

The amount of weight used for each exercise is dependent on the particular movement and each trainee’s ability. Having a variety of weight options available and it getting the personalized feedback to perfect form is critical to your success.

AVC Elite Training prides itself in providing top quality training and instruction ensuring the safety of its clients while challenging them to their full potential. Always remember that more weight or more reps doesn’t mean greater results without good form.

#2: Systematic Muscle Confusion Beats Random Sequencing

Crossfit WOD sessions are constructed randomly, meaning without physiological reason as to why a specific exercise is placed in a particular workout and without consideration of how many times a specific muscle is being targeted within a session or period.

Crossfit’s random workout routines are not productive muscle confusion and do not make a well constructed program. Random exercises – especially when lifting very heavy weight – can set you up for injury.

AVC Elite Training sessions implement systematic muscle confusion within each workout to maximize results and protect you from injury. AVC Elite Training includes intentionally varied components within each 60 minute training session.

Keys in every AVC Elite Training session including strength training and aerobic bursts working together to fire up the cardio metabolic effect. Your core engaged throughout each AVC Elite session and is emphasized with a challenging core segment.

#3: Recovery Beats Overuse

Crossfit workout routines are intended to be done daily. The name Workout of the Day reinforces that premise as core to the Crossfit program. What happens when you do the same workout 3 days in a row, without appropriate recovery. Hello injury; goodbye results!

AVC Elite Training workouts are scheduled 2-3 times a week and never in consecutive days. Each AVC Elite trainee is allowed proper recovery and therefore achieves successive results.

#4: Exercise Science Beats Complexity

Crossfit exercises rely heavily on powerlifting and gymnastics, both of which are risky and unnecessary to achieve elite fitness. The complexity of Crossfit workout routines frequently takes skilled and well trained athletes months to execute effectively and without injury.

heart rate training exercise scienceHypertrophy (muscle growth) can be achieved without putting you at risk for injury. In addition systematic muscle confusion, AVC Elite Training sessions are predicated on exercise science. For example, Amy’s years of experience in heart rate training help her use heart rate as a tool in instruction and coaching of all trainees.

#5: Personalization Beats One Size Fits All

In the typical Crossfit session, everybody does the same routine (WOD). There appears to be no customization of the routine. This then poses a challenge for the Cross Fit client with postural imbalances, poor flexibility, muscle imbalances, joint problems.

By contrast, AVC Elite Training takes into consideration your individual ability, physical and/or health limitations and customizes the training to meet your specific needs and goals. Furthermore, exercises that correct postural imbalances are always included within the training with the goal of balancing out weaknesses within the body.

All AVC Elite Training groups are heterogeneous consisting of ages 26-66, male and female, with no segregation from the beginner to the advanced athlete. Individualized instruction and customization are a constant within the training.

avc elite training workout routines#6: Progression Beats Guessing

I do not believe that Crossfit has any methodical way of tracking a client’s progress over time. There appears to be no real progression to their system of training. So how do you know if you should sign-up again or renew your membership? Beats me.

AVC Elite Training provides a systematic progression each training program of 8-10 weeks. Your individual progress is tracked within the program leading you to success, getting great results and being ready for the next challenging program.

#7: Education and Experience Beats Popularity

Today there are hundreds of Crossfit gyms popping up all over the world. Each Crossfit session is led by a coach(es) certified with training over a single weekend and willing to pay $1,000 a pop. Many of these coaches lack a depth of knowledge and experience – a scary proposition with the type of training they are presenting to the public.

fitness experience and certificationsAmy is certified by the American Institute of Fitness Educators, the National Federation of Professional Trainers. Amy is also a Newton Natural Running™ Certified Coach in Arizona and Amy holds her Masters of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Northern Arizona University.

Amy is also a competitive runner, cycling enthusiast and soon-to-be Tough Mudder to complement her training program.

Education and experience matter. Amy’s expertise means top quality training for each and every client, keeping you motivated, challenged and injury free. Each client is interviewed and screened and then integrated within the program in a safe and effective manner. No two AVC Elite Training sessions are alike within the training, keeping things fresh and ever changing.

So now you will know how to respond to friends who ask “What is Crossfit?”

What would you add to this list as an AVC Elite Training student? Not yet a trainee, but interested in finding out firsthand how AVC Elite Training beats Crossfit workout routines? Visit an AVC Elite Training Session in East Mesa this week. Email Amy to sign up!