“Exercise supports the spirit and the soul and keeps the mind powerful” - Cathy Brown
As well as coaching boxing and kick boxing, Cathy is also a Strength and Conditioning Coach.
She learned that to punch with optimum power, you needed not only to be great technically in boxing, but your body needed to be conditioned and strong to be able to execute premium power, not only in your punches but within your movement and agility within the ring.
She mixes her knowledge of strength and conditioning with plyometrics, speed and agility work to be an exceptional trainer and to get the most out of the people she is coaching. A lot of boxing coaches haven’t got the education or comprehension of the benefits of this training, which can be applied to any sport.
Strength and conditioning uses resistance exercises to increase muscle strength, size, and endurance. There are a variety of exercises that fall under the definition of strength conditioning, including weight training, body weight training, and resistance training. Strength training by athletes can be traced as far back as Ancient Greece, but it became especially common during the 20th century, even as a healthy activity for non athletes. Primarily, it is used to get people stronger and more conditioned, whether it be sports specific or to be strong in life, programs for athletes are designed to improve their performance in their sport, programs for non athletes are designed on their personal end target. Both will be specific to the individual, taking into account their goal, his or her muscle imbalances as well as many other factors. Positive effects also include improved co-ordination, balance and core strength.
Injury Prevention
Injury prevention is the most important reason to have a tailor made strength and conditioning program in place. An athlete who follows a well designed program will prevent or eliminate muscle imbalances as well as strengthen tendons and ligaments, which will lead to fewer injuries. A good program will also address flexibility issues, which will also decrease injuries.
Stronger Athletes
Every sport involves the application of force. This includes just about every skill involved in sports such as hitting harder, throwing, blocking, jumping higher and running faster. A good program will make the athlete stronger, allowing more force to be applied.
Faster Athletes
Speed and agility will make your athlete perform and react faster. The program should address speed and agility work so that the athlete’s developed strength can be transferred into their performance in their sport.
Powerful Athletes
A powerful athlete is one who can jump higher and accelerate faster than other athletes. A well designed strength and conditioning program will make an athlete more powerful by utilizing the correct exercises and implementing plyometrics and strength in the right way.
Confident Athletes
An athlete who works hard and follows a specific strength and conditioning program will display more confidence on the field because of his or her improved performance. The hard work and discipline it takes to conquer tasks in life that you don’t like doing, or the things that are tough make you a better person and athlete.