Have you always wanted to pump iron at the Athletic Center, but find the intensity of the weight machines a bit too intimidating? Now, with the help of Coach Drew Black himself, you can learn how with a simple internet connection. Black is the Wrestling Coach, Strength Conditioning Coach, Adjunct Associate of Physical Education, and can now be your own personal trainer 24/7 via internet.
Black outlines numerous strength training programs, broken up into three different levels of training: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The three-day program encompasses weight training for the total body, interval training ideas, and a bodyweight strength program.
“Now all students can access information on how to reach their strength and fitness goals whether they are a varsity athlete, a recreational athlete, a lifetime fitness enthusiast, or someone who is recovering from an injury,” Black said.
Black demonstrates the proper execution of 241 movements in the weight room, some of which can be done in the comfort of your own dorm room. He makes physical education easier and more entertaining than ever as he demonstrates how to do the chest fly, sumo squat, push jerk, wood chop, inchworm, and spider lunge.
Black was not only the video demonstrator, but also the driving force behind the new Strength and Conditioning website. Black researched other school’s athletics websites and noticed something missing: they offered some photos of the movements and other useful information about getting in shape but none of the sites had videos. Black’s goal for the site was to streamline the delivery of fitness information by making it readily available to all those interested.
“Coach Black’s idea was to put together a truly dynamic and informative site for the benefit of the entire Wesleyan communityfrom student athletes to faculty, to staff,” said web designer Ryan Lee, a Graduate Liberal Studies Program student.
Director of Athletic Injury Care Joe Fountain points out that what most people have to pay for is readily available to all Wesleyan students.
“What Drew Black did is very valuable. People sell DVDs, books, videos with this information and it is available to our Wesleyan community for free,” Fountain said.
Student athletes, many of whom have already used the website, generally give rave reviews.
“I think it’s a great idea because I play lacrosse and a lot of the freshmen on the team might not know how to do the lifts, and the site enables them to keep up with the rest of the team,” said Charlie Congleton ’07.
Students also enjoy the wide reach of the new site.
“I think it’s an excellent advancement for physical education at Wesleyan because such a service that is accessible to the entire student body, and not just varsity athletes, is unusual at college campuses and will do wonders for health and contribute to the great juiced-up gym vibe around campus,” said David Layne ’10.
Not only informative, Black’s colorful personality also shines through in his demonstrations. Students enjoy his creative terminology.
“I think it’s a great resource and especially love how Coach Black calls your butt your ‘J. Lo,’” said Antoinette Zosherafatain ’10.
“The site is a crowning achievement of Wesleyan Athletics,” said Gary Chance ’10.
No matter why you work out, the website is sure to be a tool worth checking out.
Enthusiasts of Black’s work can look forward to expanded programs in the future.
“This whole site is phase one of a multi-phase project that Coach Black has laid out. Look for some exciting things to come in the future. We may also try to get the videos up and running in the gym, so that people working out can reference them right away to see how to do specific movements,” Lee said.
The new strength and conditioning website can be seen at: www.wesleyan.edu/athletics/strength.
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