Monthly Archives: January 2018

Podcast #4-18 Frank Velasquez- Director of Sports Performance, AHN



Frank Velasquez, Jr.  is back to talk with FitLabPGH a second time.  After interviewing Frank once we realized he had more great info to share, especially if you want info on movement for kids and adolescents involved in youth sports.

 Frank Velasquez, Jr., ATC, CSCS, is the Director of Sports Performance at Allegheny Health Network (AHN)AHN Sports Performance & Physical Therapy has locations at Cool Springs in Bethel Park (South Hills of Pittsburgh) and at the Wexford Health + Wellness in Wexford, PA (North Hills of Pittsburgh).

Frank is a Certified Athletic Trainer and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist who has over 25 years of experience working with youth, high school, college and professional athletes, including 16 years in professional baseball and nine years with the Pittsburgh Pirates as their Head Strength & Conditioning Coach.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan where he served as a student athletic trainer in several sports, including Big 10 Championship teams in football and women’s swimming and diving.

In addition to his role at AHN, Frank is currently a Senior Advisor for the Professional Baseball Strength & Conditioning Coaches Society where he plays an active role in planning the continuing education seminar for the strength coaches in professional baseball at the Baseball Winter Meetings. Frank was also the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the gold medal winning TEAM USA for the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

The Sports Performance department at AHN offers sports physical therapy; strength & conditioning; speed & agility; power development; anaerobic fitness; vision & reaction training; therapeutic massage; athletic development; sports nutrition and recovery.  Makes for an all-inclusive experience with custom programming for the following demographics:

Developing Youth: Young athletes who are ready to begin strength training can do so safely with age-appropriate exercises under the supervision of an experienced and professional staff.

Performing Athlete: High school, college, and professional athletes who are looking to maximize their strength, power, speed, agility, fitness level, and body composition can use our facility to get them ready for their championship season.

Active Adult: Adults who wish to strength train and condition like they did when they were competing athletes can do so in an environment that is both challenging and safe.

AHN Sports Performance has specialized equipment including:  an Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill, the Dynavision Reaction Board visumotor-training device (designed to improve reaction times), and the Makoto Functional Arena (a 360-degree, multi-planar simulator that provides a close approximation to real-time sports). The AHN facility at Cool Springs also houses one of the region’s first and only cryosaunas – a chamber that utilizes extremely cold temperatures to decrease joint inflammation and sore muscles resulting in faster recovery.  AHN Sports Performance also offers Specialty Seasonal Programs, including:

  • Strength Training for Endurance Athletes
  • In-Season Arm Care
  • Summer/Winter Athletic Development
  • ACL Integrity Program
  • Strength Training for Baseball/Softball

For more information about Sports Performance at AHN, go to https://www.ahn.org/sports-performance

Show Notes:
Frank Velasquez, Jr., ATC, CSCS, contact info:
Website: https://www.ahn.org/sports-performance

E-mail: Frank.velasquez@ahn.org

Facebook: AHN Sports Performance

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frank.velasquez1025

Links mentioned in the Podcast:


AHN Youth Sports Huddle, at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School, 1617 Route 228, Cranberry, PA 16066, Tuesday, February 6, 2018, 6-8pm

Cool Springs Multi-Sport Facility, Pittsburgh, PA (Bethel Park)
www.playcoolsprings.com

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). World-leading membership organization for thousands of elite strength coaches, personal trainers and dedicated researchers and educators. Student and Professional memberships available.
www.nsca.com

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® (CSCS®).  CSCS: professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention.
https://www.nsca.com/Certification/CSCS/

Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).  To become a certified athletic trainer, a student must graduate with bachelors or master’s degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC). Once certified, he or she must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to remain certified. Athletic trainers must also work in collaboration with a physician and within their state practice act.https://www.nata.org/about/athletic-training/obtain-certification

Brian Gearity, PhD, ATC, CSCS*D, RSCC, USAW, USATF level 3 sprints. Founding Director and Assistant Professor of the Master of Arts in Sports Coaching program at the University of Denver.
https://www.du.edu/gspp/programs/sportcoaching/

Check out the Moving2Live (sister Podcast of FitLabPGH) episodes featuring Brian Gearity, released September 6, 2017 and September 20, 2017.
Link: http://moving2live.blubrry.com/2017/09/06/podcast-02-17-brian-gearity-part-1/

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Youth Training and Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) Position Statement and Resources
https://www.nsca.com/youth_training_and_long-term_athletic_development/

Contact Info for FitLabPGH:
Email: fitlabpgh@gmail.com

Twitter: @fitlabpgh

Instragram: @fitlabpgh

We update via Facebook too!!

YouTube channel (Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks) – since May 26, 2017 all videos are ~ 1 min and posted on Instagram too

Check out our sister podcast Moving2Live concise but interesting podcasts for the movement and exercise professional and amateur aficionado.

Attribution for Intro/Exit Podcast Music:
Marathon Man by Jason Shaw from the album Audionautix: Acoustic, licensed under an Attribution 3.0 United States License. Available at www.FreeMusicArchive.org


Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks on YouTube & Instagram #4-18



Movement is part of what makes your life complete.  Each week our podcast gives you movement ideas and opportunities in the PGH area.  We also bring you 1 minute movement tips and lifestyle hacks three times a week.

This week some tips about keeping your movement resolutions, as well as two fit tips from Frank Velasquez, Jr. ATC, CSCS Director of Sports Performance at Allegheny Health Network (AHN).

1) Find Balance to Fight Resolution Burnout
2) FitLabPGH Presents Fit Tips w/ Frank Velasquez: The Foam Roller
3) FitLabPGH Presens Fit Tips w/ Frank Velasquez of AHN: Pt 2 – Glute Activation (Clam)


Podcast #3-18 Peter Thomas DC, ATC- Motion for Life



Dr. Pete Thomas (in his own words):
Dual Licensed Chiropractor and Athletic Trainer with a private practice in the east end of Pittsburgh. Undergraduate education at University of Pittsburgh’s athletic training program followed by chiropractic school at Logan in St. Louis.  Various travels in sports medicine world along with advanced education in McKenzie, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, kinetic/chain movement evaluation, taping and conservative orthopedic evaluation and management. Motion for Life is a clinic designed to provide the best conservative care healthcare has to offer. My treatment combines aspects of chiropractic, rehabilitation and sports medicine to create solutions to my patients’ problems, whether it’s snuffing out a nagging injury or finding the common link for a complex pain syndrome.”

To learn more about Dr. Pete Thomas, and his practice, Motion for Life, visit www.drpetethomas.com

Show Notes:
Dr. Pete Thomas, Motion for Life, contact info:
e-mail: drpete@drpetethomas.com

Website: www.drpetethomas.com

Phone: 412.215.1005

Links mentioned in the Podcast:
Conservative Orthopedics & Wellness- Blog and Online Exercise Library to which Dr. Thomas is a contributor
http://conservativeorthopedics.com

Dr. Justin Berthold- Rehabilitation Physicians of Pittsburgh
https://www.rehabpgh.com/home

Check out the FitLabPGH Podcast episode featuring Dr. Berthold released December 10, 2017.
Link: http://fitlabpgh.blubrry.com/2017/12/10/podcast-50-17-justin-berthold-do-rehabilitation-physicians-of-pittsburgh/

University of Pittsburgh- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS)
http://www.shrs.pitt.edu

The McKenzie Institute USA- Sanctioned Provider of Training and Certification in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)
https://mckenzieinstituteusa.org/index.cfm

University of Pittsburgh- Primary Spine Practitioner Certification Program
http://www.psp.pitt.edu/index.html

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)
http://www.rehabps.com/REHABILITATION/Home.html

Dr. Stuart McGill
http://www.backfitpro.com

Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD -Movement System Impairment (MSI) Syndromes Courses, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
https://pt.wustl.edu/education/movement-system-impairment-syndromes-courses/

Shirley Sahrmann, PT, PhD, Bio: https://pt.wustl.edu/faculty-staff/faculty-emeritus/

Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Gray Cook, Co-Founder
https://www.functionalmovement.com

Contact Info for FitLabPGH:
Email: fitlabpgh@gmail.com

Twitter: @fitlabpgh

Instragram: @fitlabpgh

We update via Facebook too!!

YouTube channel (Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks) – since May 26, 2017 all videos are ~ 1 min and posted on Instagram too

Check out our sister podcast Moving2Live concise but interesting podcasts for the movement and exercise professional and amateur aficionado.

Attribution for Intro/Exit Podcast Music:
Marathon Man by Jason Shaw from the album Audionautix: Acoustic, licensed under an Attribution 3.0 United States License. Available at www.FreeMusicArchive.org


Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks on YouTube & Instagram #3-18



Movement is part of what makes your life complete.  Each week our podcast gives you movement ideas and opportunities in the PGH area.  We also bring you 1 minute movement tips and lifestyle hacks three times a week.  This week the message revolves around keeping our 4 legged friends happy and safe in the winter…enjoy!!

1) Winter Workout Trail Tip: Follow a Proven Leader
2) Tips for Winter Workouts with Your 4-Legged Friends
3) Mix Up Your Workout…Let Your 4-Legged Friends Set the Pace


Podcast #2-18 Cody Bliss & Lystina Kabay- Beyond the Map



Beyond the Map is an adventure travel company based in South Florida with strong Pittsburgh connections.  We interviewed two of the Co-Founders, Cody Bliss and Lystina Kabay, who both grew up in Western PennsylvaniaBeyond the Map is based on the principles that travel and outdoor activities can serve as a mechanism for transformative experiences and personal growth.  Their guests seek experiences, not “vacations;” they travel for the landscapes that will forever be ingrained in their hearts and the people that change lives and become friends. They travel to find the life that exists when they leave their routine at home and open their minds to the unfamiliar, to the extraordinary! Most importantly, they travel to find what life can be like when you simply journey, beyond YOUR map. This world is an amazing place and Beyond the Map wants to share it with you!  To learn more about Beyond the Map, visit www.beyondthemap.org

Show Notes:
Cody Bliss and Lystina Kabay, Co-Founders, Beyond the Map, contact info:
e-mail: info@beyondthemap.org

Website: www.beyondthemap.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthemaptravel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemaptravel

Links mentioned in the Podcast:
3 Rivers Outdoor Co. GearFest PGH
https://www.gearfestpgh.com

https://www.facebook.com/3RiversOutdoorCo/

Check out the FitLabPGH Podcast episode featuring 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. released April 2, 2017. Here’s the link to the podcast episode:
http://fitlabpgh.blubrry.com/2017/04/02/podcast-gear-fest-pittsburgh-christine-iksic-chris-kaminski/

Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
http://www.nova.edu

Son Doong Cave, Quang Binh province, Vietnam
http://www.sondoongcave.org

Peaks of the Balkans Trail- 120-mile Hike across the Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo Borders
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/europe/peaks-of-the-balkans-map-trail-route-tour-cross-border-hiking-albania-montenegro-europe-kosovo-a8031791.html

Moving2Live Podcast (Sister Podcast of FitLabPGH)
http://moving2live.blubrry.com

Contact Info for FitLabPGH:
Email: fitlabpgh@gmail.com

Twitter: @fitlabpgh

Instragram: @fitlabpgh

We update via Facebook too!!

YouTube channel (Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks) – since May 26, 2017 all videos are ~ 1 min and posted on Instagram too

Check out our sister podcast Moving2Live concise but interesting podcasts for the movement and exercise professional and amateur aficionado.

Attribution for Intro/Exit Podcast Music:
Marathon Man by Jason Shaw from the album Audionautix: Acoustic, licensed under an Attribution 3.0 United States License. Available at www.FreeMusicArchive.org


Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks on YouTube & Instagram #2-18



Movement is part of what makes your life complete.  Each week our podcast gives you movement ideas and opportunities in the PGH area.  We also bring you 1 minute movement tips and lifestyle hacks three times a week.  This week the mantra is “make time for movement“.  Give the videos a look, and don’t forget to check out the podcast interviews!!

1) Create an Excuse-Proof Exercise Plan to Meet Your Movement Goals
2) Make Time for Movement…Even if You Only Have 10 Minutes
3) Multitasking Mobility – Lengthen the Lats + Pet Playtime


Podcast #1-18 Dan McCoy- Dan McCoy Fitness



Dan McCoy (in his own words): “23 years old. Born with Spina Bifida. I have been playing Sled Hockey since I was 5 years old. 2014 Paralympic Gold Medalist. 2x World Champion. Certified Personal Trainer. My goal is to inspire people of ALL abilities to push beyond their limits and to lead a healthier lifestyle through fitness and nutrition.

To learn more about Dan, go to https://www.danmccoyfitness.com

Show Notes:
Dan McCoy, contact info:
e-mail: dan@danmccoyfitness.com

Website: www.danmccoyfitness.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danmccoyfitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/danmccoyfitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmccoyfitness

Links mentioned in the Podcast:
Dr. Justin Berthold, Founder, Rehabilitation Physicians of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (Forest Hills)
https://www.rehabpgh.com/home

Check out the FitLabPGH Podcast episode featuring Dr. Berthold, released December 10, 2017.  Here’s the link to the podcast episode:
http://fitlabpgh.blubrry.com/2017/12/10/podcast-50-17-justin-berthold-do-rehabilitation-physicians-of-pittsburgh/

Paralympic Games (Official Website)
https://www.paralympic.org/paralympic-games

US National Sled Hockey Team
http://teamusa.usahockey.com/usnationalsledteam

3 Rivers Rowing Association – Adaptive Rowing Program
http://threeriversrowing.org/adaptive/

Check out the FitLabPGH Podcast episode featuring Jenn Grieb and the 3 Rivers Rowing Association, released March 26, 2017.  Here’s the link to the podcast episode:
http://fitlabpgh.blubrry.com/2017/03/26/podcast-three-rivers-rowing-association-jenn-grieb/

Dynamic Paddlers, Larry Gioia, Founder- Concierge Kayak Instruction for people of ALL abilities, Pittsburgh, PA
http://www.dynamicpaddlers.com

Check out the FitLabPGH Podcast episode featuring Larry Gioia and the Dynamic Paddlers, released June 11, 2017.  Here’s a link to the podcast episode:
http://fitlabpgh.blubrry.com/2017/06/11/podcast-26-17-dynamic-paddlers-larry-gioia/

Nitro Circus- Action Sports Entertainment Company
http://nitrocircus.com

Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham- WCMX
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/AaronFotheringham/featured

Jonathan Stark, Wheelchair and Dirtbike Motocross
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatboy412/

Moving2Live Podcast (Sister Podcast of FitLabPGH)
http://moving2live.blubrry.com

Contact Info for FitLabPGH:
Email: fitlabpgh@gmail.com

Twitter: @fitlabpgh

Instragram: @fitlabpgh

We update via Facebook too!!

YouTube channel (Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks) – since May 26, 2017 all videos are ~ 1 min and posted on Instagram too

Check out our sister podcast Moving2Live concise but interesting podcasts for the movement and exercise professional and amateur aficionado.

Attribution for Intro/Exit Podcast Music:
Marathon Man by Jason Shaw from the album Audionautix: Acoustic, licensed under an Attribution 3.0 United States License. Available at www.FreeMusicArchive.org


Movement Tips and Lifestyle Hacks on YouTube & Instagram #1-18



Movement is part of what makes your life complete.  Three times a week FitLabPGH brings you 1 minute movement tips and lifestyle hacks.  This week we show you some outdoor tips that hopefully encourage you to move with friends, be a good outdoor citizen and be consistent.  Don’t forget- we release new podcast interviews every Sunday afternoon/evening.

1) Happy New Year from FitLabPGH! Get Outside and Enjoy!
2) Be a Good Outdoor Steward (a.k.a. Practice Proper Outside Etiquette)
3) Be Consistent…But Exercise Variety