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Texans strength and conditioning coach Dan Riley writes his ...

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espond more favorably (regardless of the program, equipment, set/rep combinationyou use).T<strong>his</strong> physiological phenomenon can be observed with competitive weightlifters.Weight classes range from the super lightweight to the super heavyweight. Each ofthe competitive weightlifters uses the same methods, techniques, <strong>and</strong> equipment,yet the gains in <strong>strength</strong> <strong>and</strong> degree of development is different.T<strong>his</strong> same physiological phenomenon exists with our players. Each position requiresa specific job description. Remember, the function of an activity dictates the physicaldesign of the athlete.The physical dem<strong>and</strong>s of defensive lineman on the field are different than thephysical dem<strong>and</strong>s of a defensive back. Gary Walker <strong>and</strong> Aaron Glenn are both ProBowl players. Yet if we asked them to switch positions each would fail miserably. Itwould be impossible for Gary to cover speedy receivers <strong>and</strong> just as impossible forAaron to take on mammoth offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage.Gary <strong>and</strong> Aaron each possess the same muscles. They both use the same <strong>Texans</strong>weight workouts. What is the physical difference between how much Gary <strong>and</strong> Aaronrespond to the same workout? Obviously Gary has better potential to add muscular<strong>strength</strong> <strong>and</strong> size due to the position he plays <strong>and</strong> the developing potential he musthave. That is why he is a defensive lineman <strong>and</strong> Aaron is a defensive back. It hasnothing to do with the exercises performed, the set/rep combination, or theequipment used.Organizing a <strong>strength</strong> program for a football player (<strong>and</strong> most athletes) is easy. Totalbody <strong>strength</strong> is a priority. We divide the body into five major segments:1. Neck2. Hips & Legs3. Midsection4. Upper Body5. ArmsRefer to past installations of the Fitness Corner <strong>and</strong> our player’s training manual forguidance on how to perform an exercise <strong>and</strong> organize a workout.All athletes should have the same opportunity to experience the same muscularbenefits. If there is a program that is “best,” common sense dictates that all athletesshould use t<strong>his</strong> program.Ray, Everett, Virgil, <strong>and</strong> myself, are constantly looking for safer, efficient <strong>and</strong> moreeffective methods, to generate maximum gains in <strong>strength</strong>. If we find a better wayNik, we will implement those methods all of our players, not just our linebackers.

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