The chiseled physiques of professional athletes grace televisions on a daily basis. But before they elevate to snag a rebound off the rim or stretch enormous leaps to cradle in a touchdown, athletes have to endure hours of hardcore training—and U of M students will soon be able to undergo the same training.
The University of Memphis’ Campus Recreation Intramural Services is inviting students to come to a free training session with Mike Ekanem, Assistant Strength Coach for the Tigers Men’s Basketball Team. This event will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15.
The pro trainer will put attendees through series of power exercises, including plyometrics, a technique originally used in the 1970s by East Germany’s Olympic team. The exercises consist of conditioning the body with dynamic resistance that stretches the quadriceps muscles. Or, to put it in layman’s terms, jumping up and down really quickly.
Ekanem is responsible for making sure players like Shaq Goodwin, Nick King, and Austin Nichols are in prime shape for a lengthy basketball season. Kedren Johnson, a transfer from Vanderbilt, was out-of-shape in the beginning of the offseason. Ekanem has assisted in getting him in top shape for the season. According to Josh Pastner, U of M Men’s Head Basketball Coach, the 6-foot-4 guard is now faster and has more agility, thanks in part to Ekanem’s training.
Along with plyometrics for the lower body, trainees will also take part in Olympic lifting. According to BreakingMuscle.com, Olympic lifting differs from powerlifting in several ways, including the position of the bar, deeper squats and more explosive lifts above the head.
Charlie Scheel, the Fitness and Wellness Graduate Assistant, said this will be the first time students can take advantage of getting training from a professional trainer, for free.
“This is sort of a ‘mock trial,’ but we hope for a big turnout,” Scheel said.
Scheel said that he is hoping that this program can become a regular thing for CRIS. Throughout the week the recreational center hosts a number of events, including zumba, an “ab lab” and belly dancing.
