EDU’s DeAngelie overcomes injury to take overall title
Awesome article in the RGJ on Claire!
Congrats GIRL!
Top 40 Fitness Professionals That Will Impact 2012 in a BIG Way
Originally published by jmax fitness.
WELCOME TO JMAX FITNESS! I see that this is your first time here. Thanks for visiting and be sure to subscribe JMax Fitness : Eat. Sleep. Lift. for the most up to date fitness information on the net!There’s no doubt that 2012 is going to be a great year. Thus far, we’ve survived the Mayan Calendar prediction, but what’s next to be excited about? This elite top 40 list, duh. Seriously, the people on this list are changing the way that fitness is done. They care about helping people get better results in less time, and make themselves accessible to the public to share their kind message. Without further adieu, let’s start with number 1:
1. Tim Ferriss
Body hacking? Ya, that’s a synonym for “Tim Ferriss”. His blog is read by millions, he’s a best selling author, and he’s not afraid to experiment on his body. Ever heard of The 4-Hour Body? That’s Tim. In 2012, his new book, appropriately titled, The 4-Hour Chef: The Simple Path to Cooking Like a Pro, Learning Anything, and Living the Good Life promises to change the way we cook, eat, and learn. Get ready 2012.
2. Dr. John Berardi, Nate Green, Krista Scott-Dixon, and the whole Precision Nutrition team
The premise of PN is: life-changing, research-driven nutrition coaching for everyone. Judging by talking to former coaching clients, and current PN coaches, I would have to agree. These guys know their stuff. PN promises to breakout and expand this year, offering $75,000 in prizes to clients…and we all thought that having a hot body was good enough? BONUS!
AKA “The Man Behind the TRX Suspension Trainer”. Over the past few years, Randy has grown awareness for the TRX Suspension Trainer to a magnitude he probably couldn’t have ever imagined. Here’s the scary thing: he’s only getting started. Lookout this year as the TRX takes over a gym near you.
4. TC Luoma, Chris Shugart, and T-Nation
When it comes to quality content, the guys at T-Nation always deliver. They deserve this number 4 spot because they are always an impact. Whether it’s the average person, or the elite trainer, their site helps people build a stronger, healthier, massive body. Respect.
What do you get when you mix an elite fitness trainer and a wicked Scottish accent? A wicked Scottish fitness trainer named, Alwyn. Owner and operator of one of the highest grossing fitness businesses in America (and one that actual gets their clients’ results), AC is your go-to fitness guy. Add in the titles: Best Selling Author, Business Mentor, and Taekwondo master, and you have a sure spot at number 5.
One of the top trainers in America? Check. One of the top training facilities in America? Check. New strength coach for the Boston Red Sox? Check. Coach Boyle has a huge history of changing his mind. This is a good thing. He’s always striving to be the best coach he can be. Keep your eye on the Red Sox in 2012. Things to look for: less injuries, faster players, and more home runs in the later innings.
You may know him from Men’s Health, Turbulence Training, or Kettlebell Workouts. Whatever Craig puts on the market, it’s gold, and it sells like gold. Starting in 2002, Craig revolutionized the fitness market showing people that they can get a kick-ass workout in under 45 minutes. Judging by his picture, or by the thousands of client testimonials: they work.
Finally, someone who is funny as hell, but gets their clients results. Roman trains everybody from lawyers to “strippers who danced for the lawyers.” All kidding aside, 2012 marks the year of the Roman Empire Expansion. Are you ready, bru?
9. Joe Dowdell
Founder and CEO of the largest one-on-one fitness facility in New York, Joe is one of the coolest fitness experts in the biz. He’s trained elite athletes including the Vitor Shaolin Mixed Martial Arts Team and Olympian Tim Morehouse, and has written in pretty much every important fitness magazine. My prediction is that if you flip through a fitness magazine in 2012, you will find Joe somewhere.
10. Rachel Cosgrove
Breaking in at number 10, Rachel is the first girl on the list. Where’s Jillian Michaels? She didn’t make the list. Sorry. When it comes to female fitness, Mrs. Cosgrove is your girl. She gets her female clients results without injuring them. Enough said. Watch out for her new book in 2012. It could change your life.
11. Dan John
Dan John is the man. There’s no other way to put it. Dan is the only fitness professional in the world who will write an article that both the average person and other fitness professionals can read, understand, and relate to. His simplification of the weight room is from his wisdom in the trenches. With the release of his new book, Easy Strength, Coach Dan John will change the way we get our clients stronger in 2012.
12. Eric Cressey
Eric is the “baseball guy” and the “shoulder guy”. No one can compete with him. Eric has changed the way that we look at mobility, and is making us stronger because of it. Last year, he released an awesome article series on rising MLB star, Tim Collins. When you put on some serious mass onto a future All-Star pitcher, you get noticed. Whatever Eric does in 2012 will be gold.
13. Jason Ferruggia
Want to build tons of muscle, get stronger, in 2-3 workouts per week? JF is your guy. Operating one of the top training facilities in New Jersey – all from the comfort of California – Jay is already planning on dominating 2012. Add in the fact that he upgraded his website, and is looking to start up another training facility, Jay will be a superstar.
14. Gray Cook
Over the past decade, Gray has truly changed the way that we look at movement, assess movement, and improve movement quality (that’s a lot of movement). Gray’s next move will be to completely dominate movement assessments of professional athletes and everyday clients. Will 2012 be his year?
15. Vince Del Monte
When Vince released No Nonsense Muscle Building, his plan was to dominate Clickbank.com in the muscle building category. It took him 6 months. Since then, Vince has become a superstar. He models, has released tons of quality fitness products, and is just an overall good guy. Everybody could benefit from listening to what Vince has to say.
16. Martin Berkhan
If you haven’t heard of him, it’s because you’re probably still eating every 3 hours. Martin has helped thousands of people get ripped and lean by skipping breakfast, training fasted, and only eating 2-3 times per day. His website is beautifully crafted with quality research and field tested methods.
17. Mike Roussell
In his recent study, Mike crushed the theory that red meat is not a viable option when trying to lose fat. Every year, he betters himself, and provides social proof that he is emerging as one of the leading nutritionists in the industry. Need proof? Check out his new book, The 6 Pillars of Nutrition – A Simple Diet Solution for Permanent Weight Loss, Better Health, and a Longer Life.
18. Mike Robertson
Want to get strong as hell, decrease joint pain, all in the fastest way possible? Enter Mike Robertson. Through his expertise, Mike is helping people alleviate knee pain and back pain all over the globe. His facility – located in Indianapolis – is the perfect place for sports performance. Hopefully the GM of the Colts is reading this (hint, hint).
19. Bret Contreras
HE’S THE FOUNDER OF THE HIP THRUST! Ya, that’s right. He is the reason that your girlfriend will have a nice ass in 2012. Bret is continually trying to do things better, and improve himself. This past year, Bret has been studying with fitness professionals in New Zealand, and has released an awesome published study. I imagine that this year will top last year with ease.
20. Ben Bruno
Ben has the strongest lower body out of anyone I’ve ever seen. If you’ve seen any of his Youtube videos, you know what I’m talking about. This past year, Ben’s blog has exploded, and he’s been pumping out awesome articles left, right, and center. If 2011 has any indications of what’s to come, then I seriously think that we are going to be blown away.
Pavel is the “Modern King of Kettlebells”. Everything this man says is gold. Some people brush off what he has to say, later to realize that he was right all along. Pavel has experience, dedication, and knowledge that we all wish we could have. His new book, Easy Strength (written with Dan John), is an instant classic and will be one of the best fitness books read in 2012.
22. Neghar Fonooni and Girls Gone Strong
This group of girls is showing females everywhere that it’s important to lift weights in order to get the body that they want. No boring cardio, no Tracy Anderson, just good old fashioned iron. Girls Gone Strong is such a motivational and results driven group that they will do something fantastic this year – making men all over the globe happier.
Smitty is one of the most innovative guys I’ve ever seen. He thinks of the coolest fitness ideas on the planet. Who else does pullups with softballs, integrates mobility drills into a complex, and gets people bigger, stronger, and healthier? No one but Smitty. Add in the release of his new DVD with Joe Defranco (Extreme), and you have a winning man in 2012.
24. Tony Gentilcore
Tony is Eric Cressey’s wingman at Cressey Performance. I strongly believe that without Tony G, CP would be missing their top Strength Coach. He’s the master of the deadlift, and probably one of the funniest fitness guys around. “Stuff to Read While You’re Pretending to Work” should be everyone’s reading staple this year.
25. Dave Tate
Dave is living proof that there is hope left for good nutrition in the sport of powerlifting. Since working with John Berardi, Tate has leaned out and become an icon to bodybuilders and powerlifters alike. He operates one of the most badass sites on the web – one which gets better and better each year. This year is no exception.
Coach Dos is the Strength Coach for College of the Canyons, a TRX guru, and a guy who will teach you how to get super lean, super fast with Cardio Strength Training. He’s also been featured in Men’s Health. Watch out for him this year – he’s going to popularize the new TRX Rip Trainer within his cardio strength circuits.
27. Joe Defranco
Joe revolutionized the strength and conditioning world when he perfected the Westside methods for getting athletes bigger, stronger, and faster. With the release of his DVD, Power last year, and Extreme (both with Smitty) this year, Joe will be showing the world how to get more powerful and athletic than ever before.
28. Nick Tumminello
Nick has been featured in pretty much every important fitness magazine in North America. He specializes in training athletes in combat sports, and fatloss clients. 2012 will be the year of the 7-4-7 Fatloss Rep Scheme. You wait and see…
29. Jonathan Goodman
When Jon started the Personal Trainer Development Center, “No more than 20 people were viewing the page each day and 10 of the views were by [himself]” (Goodman). Since then, the site has grown to the 560 thousandth most viewed site in the whole world. This year, it will continue to grow and change the way that Personal Trainers learn…forever.
30. Patrick Ward
Three words: One…smart…dude. Patrick has numerous certifications (good ones too), and can make any client move better, reduce pain, feel better, get stronger, gain endurance, [insert goal ANY goal here], etc. If Patrick releases a product this year, it will be huge.
31. Geoff Girvitz
Owner and operator of Bang Fitness in Toronto, Canada, Geoff is a fitness genius. One conversation with him will blow your mind, make you laugh, and make you want to be as smart as him (one day). Geoff recently upsurged his internet writing, which makes this man’s knowledge bombs more accessible than ever before.
32. Jim Wendler
As the author of 5/3/1, Jim is helping coaches and clients all over the globe get stronger…way stronger. With the release of the second edition of 5/3/1, Jim’s strength strategy will solidify itself as a classic this year.
33. Jamie Lewis
Jamie is the most vulgar, scientific, entertaining fitness writer you could ever read. His lifting philosophy is super interesting, and backed up by social proof and excellent science. Jamie lifts huge amounts of weight, and has some of the biggest traps I’ve ever seen. He recently released his first book (hopefully of many), Issuance of Insanity. You have to read it.
34. Flavia Del Monte
Nurse turned fitness professional, Flavia promises to help girls everywhere get leaner, healthier, and sexier by strength training and eating more. Flavia has gained huge popularity in 2011, and this momentum will continue to bring her to the top in 2012. Girls, get ready to get sexy.
35. Mike Mahler
Mike Mahler is the king of hormone optimization, a kettlebell guru, and a master of positive thinking. He has released numerous DVD’s and ebooks, and provides quality content to his readers and viewers via his website, his products, and awesome workshops. This year, whatever Mike releases will be of high quality content and worth every cent.
36. Dr. Mark Cheng
Dr. Cheng is the “Get-Up God”. Mark is a movement specialist, and teaches trainers, coaches, and other fitness professionals how to get their clients moving more efficiently – specifically with the use of kettlebells. With the release of his new DVD, Applied Combat Kettlebells For Maximum Martial Power, Mark will help combat athletes everywhere to excel in their sport.
37. Craig Liebenson
The DNS king. Craig is so smart that he will indirectly affect every single person on this list this year; whether they are aware of it or not. Craig’s books and DVD’s have some of the most priceless content on the net.
38. Jen Grasso
Jen is Jason Ferruggia’s other half. Without even trying, she is flawlessly helping girls get leaner and sexier while performing fun and intense workouts. She is notorious for posting her workouts, and favourite recipes online, inspiring girls to lift weights and eat organic.
39. Shon Grosse
With his published case studies, Shon is helping fitness professionals, physiotherapists, and athletic therapists everywhere to get their clients better, sooner. In 2011, Shon got his name out there. In 2012, Shon will be a huge success. Remember: you heard it here first.
40. Jason Maxwell
(You didn’t think that I would leave myself out of this list, did you?) Just making the cut, Jason Maxwell will greatly impact the fitness world in 2012. Launching his site in August, JMaxFitness.com has grown rapidly in popularity. Whether it’s because Jason is so good looking, or because he makes you laugh, there’s a reason why you’re reading this page. Get ready 2012…life is about to get a bit more interesting.
Who would you rank in the top 10? Know someone that you think should have been added to this list? Leave a comment below. I’d love to know.
Why Crossfit may not be good for you.
Michael Boyle
Let’s face it, Crossfit is a controversial topic in the world of strength and conditioning. Crossfit gyms are springing up all over the world. They are cheap and easy to open, with only a weekend certification and a few thousand dollars worth of equipment. This appeals to many in the fitness business. You can be part of a rapidly growing trend and you can do it without great expense. I am not a Crossfit fan so some might view this piece as yellow journalism. I will try to keep my personal opinions to myself and deal with what is generally agreed upon as safe in strength and conditioning. First, a little background. To be honest, I knew very little about Crossfit until I was contacted by representatives of SOMA, the Special Operations Medical Association, in 2005. Crossfit was their concern, not mine. I was asked to come to the SOMA meeting in Tampa, Florida to discuss training special operations soldiers. At a panel discussion in 2005 I offered answers to questions asked about Crossfit and the controversy began. What follows is not from the SOMA meeting but, my thoughts since. Major Question 1- Is planned randomization a valid concept. Crossfit is based on the idea that the workouts are planned but deliberately random. I think that the term planned randomization is an oxymoron. Workouts are either planned or random. I believe strongly that workouts should be planned and that a specific progression should be followed to prevent injury. Major Question 2- Is Training to Failure Safe? Because Crossfit is, at it’s heart, a competitive or self-competitive program it becomes necessary to train to failure. There are two layers or problem here. One is the simple question of whether training to failure is beneficial to the trainee. Some strength and conditioning experts believe training to failure is beneficial, others caution against. I must admit that I like training to failure. However, this brings up the larger question of what constitutes failure. Strength and Conditioning Coach Charles Poliquin (another non-Crossfit fan) popularized the term “technical failure” and, this is the definition that we adhere to. Technical failure occurs not when the athlete or client is no longer capable of doing the exercise but, when the athlete or client can no longer do the exercise with proper technique. In training beyond technical failure the stress shifts to tissues that were not, and probably should not, be the target of the exercise. The third layer of the training to failure question relates to what movements lend themselves to training to failure. In the area of “generally agreed as safe”, high velocity movements like Olympic lifts and jumps are not generally done to failure and never should be taken beyond technical failure. Is it one bad rep versus multiple bad reps? How many bad reps is too many? Major Question 3- Is an overuse injury ( generally an injury caused by repeated exposure to light loads), different from an overstress injury ( an injury caused by exposure to heavy loads). Both are injuries. The first is overuse, the second is trauma. In my mind injuries are injuries, period. Major Question 4- Should adults be Olympic lifters? I don’t think that Olympic lifts are for adults. Most adults can’t get their arms safely over their head once much less fifty times with load. The other question that begs to be asked is should anyone do high rep Olympic lifts. I know the best Olympic lifters in the world say no. With all that said believe it or not my biggest problem is actually less with the actual workouts than it is with the false bravado and character assassination of dissenters. The community can be pretty venomous when you question Coach Glassman. The Crossfit community is also filled with people who tell you that injury is a normal part of the training process. I have spoken up against endurance athletes who willingly hurt themselves and to me, this is no difference than the current Crossfit controversy. I know that this will generate more controversy but, Crossfit might be the biggest controversy in strength and conditioning since HIT training.
Six Things I’ve Learned In Six Years of Practice (by Dr. Reiner)
If there is one thing I have come to accept in six years of practice, it’s the more I learn the less (I feel) I know. I believe this is what drives so many of us in the fitness and rehabilitation profession. We are in constant search of the latest and greatest information to improve upon ourselves and ultimately create better athletes, clients, and patients. Reflecting on 2011 made me realize how much material was absorbed this past year. Had I possessed this information fresh out of chiropractic school, there would have been far less headaches and days of frustration. However, learning the hard way often makes us more appreciative of how far we have come. Without further adieu, my list of the top six things I’ve learned over the last six years.
1. It’s not just about you
Sure it’s always nice to think an athlete is back on the field and feeling better than ever because of what “you” did. The fact of the matter is, it’s a team effort. We can’t be experts in every field and with an overwhelming number of therapies, specialists, and philosophies, it’s imperative to create a “team” of like-minded specialists. Our “team” at Fitness Quest 10 consists of chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, nutrition, strength and conditioning, yoga, and Pilates. More often than not one of our athletes will at some point encounter all of us in their quest for athletic perfection. My previous article, “Who’s on your Team“,discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with a group of specialists that communicate well and provide a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, injury prevention, and athletic performance.
2. Get it right from the start
Top of the line equipment and trendy treatment techniques can make any clinician/therapist feel invincible to any injury that walks through the door. Without proper assessment and a correct working diagnosis, it’s easy to chase pain and treat the symptoms with those cool toys. While chiropractic school provided the basis for standard examination, it’s through courses, seminars, books, and colleagues outside of the chiropractic profession, that I’ve come to understand biomechanics and motor patterning. Understanding movement and analyzing dysfunctional patterns will direct you to the cause of the injury. Bottom line….don’t chase pain. Some of the most influential to my practice include Gray Cook, Dr. Stewart McGill, Shirley Sarmon, Sue Falsone, Greg Rose, Charlie Weingroff, Craig Liebenson, and Mike Reinold.
3. Don’t get caught up in the “black and white” of biomechanics. The nervous system is a bigger beast and creates many shades of gray when treating patients.
Only considering biomechanics when assessing injuries or faulty movement patterns will often leave you short of solving the problem. The nervous system is a far bigger beast to comprehend when motor control issues and compensatory patterns exist. Is it the pain that drives the faulty pattern or the faulty pattern that drives the pain? Studies have shown pain, regardless of its origin, alters motor control.
This same concept applies to the rehabilitation of our stabilizers. Just six years ago in school we learned to “strengthen” weak stabilizers (ie. core and rotator cuff). Current research, however, points to timing as the key factor. Without the nervous system activating our stabilizers first, it doesn’t matter how “strong” we make these muscles. Put down the tubing for your IR/ER shoulder exercises and focus your attention towards patterns that consider timing. Understanding biomechanics is the first step in looking at function, but improving the pattern only comes with careful consideration of the nervous system.
4. Look beyond static posture and alignment
Chiropractic school emphasized posture and alignment with the majority of the assessment occurring in the standing or lying position. While this continues to be a part of my examination, evaluating movement is just as important. The majority of musculoskeletal injuries occur as a result of poor movement quality. For the general population the overall decline in activity, I believe, translates to poor movement competency. As such, the weekend warriors and/or gym goers often present with mechanical neck and lower back pain. Posture and alignment are a start to understanding the problem, but looking at fundamental movement patterns such as gait, running mechanics, and throwing, are essential when working with any patient or athlete.
5. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water
The health and fitness industry often discount various techniques, exercises, and philosophies if evidence is inconclusive or unfavorable. While I’m a firm believer in testing our hypothesis and seeking out the best information, it’s the combination of clinical experience and evidence based research that should be the driving force behind our programs/treatments. The majority of the assessment, treatment, and training techniques I utilize are evidence led. Notice I didn’t say evidence based. Performing and executing flawless clinical studies and trials is virtually impossible. Brett Contreras wrote an article demonstrating that one could find a study to prove or disprove just about anything. Whether a study supports or refutes the testing hypothesis, taking into account your clinical experience is sometimes more important. Many researchers are limited to working in a lab without stepping foot in a clinic/training facility. As a clinician or strength coach working in the trenches, we see first hand what is effective and what is not. Just because the Journal of whatever discounts your school of thought doesn’t mean you toss the technique or philosophy aside. While research fuels the growth and science of the health and fitness community, always consider your experience and results within your setting. Proving efficacy is often evident in your success. Bottom line…do what works.
6. Without written goals, it is difficult to track your progress and map out where you are headed
It’s that time of year again, time for New Years resolutions and planning for the upcoming year. We all talk about it, but it often becomes a distant memory by mid February. This past year I took the time to write out several goals, both the professional and personal. Creating a list and placing it a high traffic area my house, kept me on track for the year. Let this be the driving force for self-improvement in the important areas of your life. For me, I made it a point to spend at least 10% of my income on continuing education (thank you Diane Vives for the recommendation). Looking back at the number of seminars, courses, classes, workshops, and books I have learned from this past year, has kept me motivated and passionate about my work. Most important, the attention to both personal and professional goals will help maintain the balance between the two and your focus on the things that matter most.
Let this be the most enlightening and productive year you’ve had yet.
About Dr. Reiner
Dr. Jennifer Reiner is the chiropractor for Water and Sports Physical Therapy and Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, California. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Florida and went on to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic West. As a member of the Palmer West Sports Council, Dr. Reiner focused her studies on sports injuries and rehabilitation. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
She spent five years as the official chiropractor for the University of California San Diego, providing care to a variety of sports including swimming, soccer, volleyball, track and field, tennis, and basketball. Dr. Reiner is certified in Graston Technique as well as Active Release Technique (ART). She also holds certifications in FMS (Functional Movement Screen), SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment), TRX suspension training, and K-laser therapy. Follow her on Twitter –@drjreiner.
All-North 3A volleyball: Truckee’s Annie Reiswig pulls motivation from friend and teammate
Ever since sixth grade, the seniors competed and pushed each other from sprint training to scrimmages. They always warmed up together and even played the same position at outside hitter. The closeness developed into an intense, but friendly, rivalry that helped elevate Reiswig’s game.
She developed from just a hitter to a player who also can block and pass. That helped Reiswig earn the RGJ’s All-North 3A Player of the Year honor.
“It’s always been the two of us together,” Reiswig said. “Pushing (each other) from middle school to high school really helped me become a better player.”
Wolverines coach Erika Murphy said their competitive spirit came out, especially during training drills. Because Krysta Murphy played three sports, she was naturally stronger than Reiswig. The coach said it forced Reiswig to try and keep up during sprints and stair drills and made her a much stronger player.
“They were competitive buddies that pushed each other on and of the court and relied on each other,” Erika Murphy said. “I know when Krysta was off the court, Annie would be frustrated that she didn’t have that defense behind her (in Krysta).”
The two friends complemented each other in games, as well. Reiswig has always been a powerful hitter — she led the team with 225 kills this season — and Murphy provided a strong defense, making them an imposing duo. In practice, their different strengths forced them to try and surpass the other’s skill.
Reiswig started the season as an average passer, but Murphy was better. Reiswig worked on the skill and was able to develop into one of the team’s best passers, according to her coach.
“She just kept getting better,” Krysta Murphy said. “It’s cool to see how much she’s improved to become the best in the 3A.”
Reiswig’s development made her a leader on the team in her senior year. Erika Murphy said the drive to win would affect Reiswig mentally if she wasn’t perfect. For most of the season, however, her abilities propelled the Wolverines to victories, and they won the 3A state championship and finished 23-9.
“The team was very strong with a lot of talent,” Erika Murphy said. “When she was up, it really motivated the team. When she was down, the team had to work a little harder to get pumped up.”
Things will be different next season for the Wolverines after both players graduate. Reiswig will play for Miami University in Ohio, while Krysta Murphy is thinking about going to a junior college to play softball and volleyball.
Still, Reiswig said she could not have pictured a better ending than a state championship and playing with her close friend.
“It’s going to be weird not having any of those girls on my team,” Reiswig said. “”» It’s going to be weird not having any of these girls not playing side by side pushing me.”
Luke Jacobson of Moment Ski’s
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When Shannon Bahrke skied to an Olympic bronze medal in freestyle moguls Saturday, it was a special thrill for former Auburn resident Luke Jacobson.
Jacobson, a 2003 Placer High graduate, is vice president of Moment Skis, the company that designed and manufactured the skis that propelled Bahrke to victory.
His cell phone has been ringing non-stop since then from distributors worldwide, Jacobson said Monday.
The small Reno company got its start seven years ago when founder Casey Hakansson began making his own skis and taking them out on the slopes.
The first pair of skis Casey made had a solid-brown top-sheet, looked pretty basic and went unnoticed.
“His next design was playing around doing something different,” Jacobson said Monday. “He made a square tip and everyone started asking about it.”
The squared-off tip is now Moment’s trademark.
“Once you realize Moment is the company that has square tips, it makes it stand out,” Jacobson said.
The square-tip design is purely cosmetic and doesn’t impact ski performance, he said.
Jacobson, an avid skier who raced for Placer, was a student at University of Nevada Reno when he heard about Hakansson’s ski designs. It piqued his interest immediately.
“I shot him an e-mail and resume, and showed up — and then never left,” Jacobson said. “We became great friends and business partners. We have a lot of different talents and we work together really well. I was still going to school and Casey was doing masonry. We became so busy, he quit his job. It became a full-time project that has consumed our lives every day of the week, 10 hours a day.
When long-time friend Shelly Robertson, a Reno resident and U.S. Ski Team freestyle skier, took notice of their product, it took the business to a whole new level.
“Working with us, she had a lot of input into a ski that can truly fit her,” Jacobson said. “We worked with Shelly making a prototype ski. When she got on it, she got her first World Cup victory last season on moguls.”
That led to working with the U.S. Ski Team.
“The ski team loves the products we’re making,” Jacobson said. “They like the idea of someone in the United States making the skis.”
In fact, Moment Skis is one of the only companies manufacturing skis in the United States, he said. Most other skis are being made in Asia.
Bahrke, of Tahoe City, found out about the company through Robertson or through Heather McPhie, another U.S. Ski Team member.
“She jumped on a pair of their skis and she loved the product,” Jacobson said. “She just believed in what we were doing. It’s important for an athlete to be on a product that feels solid underneath.”
Moment Skis has grown to eight employees and sells several thousand pairs of skis a year, said Jacobson, who declined to provide a sales figure. The company operates in a two-unit combination office and factory in a light industrial area, but Jacobson and Hakansson are looking for a new space that will add several thousand square feet of workspace.
They unveiled their 2010-11 winter line at last week’s trade show in Denver.
“We’re swamped from that, working with international distributors,” he said.
Besides skis, the company also produces poles and soft goods, and will add an outerwear line in the fall.
Jacobson attributes the company’s success to the ski designs, graphics and company ethics.
“We take a lot of input from consumers,” Jacobson said. “We make a prototype. We test it with our team — those core athletes on our Web page. We get a bunch of people on it and sometimes we’ll make one or 10 or 20 versions of a ski. We go out and really abuse it and make sure it turns and flexes the way we want. You have to destroy a product any way you can before you put it on the market.”
The skis appeal to a broad range of athletes on the slopes.
“Beyond the U.S. Ski Team, we have athletes in the free-skiing world and the terrain parks — ones who are in the videos each year,” he said. “There are so many facets of skiing and so many aspects.”
Auburn resident Pete Dufour, with the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, has viewed the company’s ski production process up close. His son, Mitch, who has a construction management degree from Cal Poly, is in charge of the wood-core component for Moment.
“Having seen the process they go through, I can tell you they really put a lot of tender-loving care into each ski,” Dufour said in an e-mail.
The company has taken a specialized approach to the core.
“We use different combinations of wood — aspen, ash and pine,” Jacobson explained. …”When you get a ski from us, the wood runs from the tip of the ski to the tail. It’s one whole piece that’s free of knots. A pair of cores on our skis will be from the same block of wood. The wood is all from mills we work with here in the United States.”
For Jacobson, the turbocharged success of the past three year has been a whirlwind, but very satisfying.
“If you told me two years ago when we were making skis that we’d have a ski in the Olympics, I probably wouldn’t have believed you,” Jacobson said. “It’s incredible how business works and how much you have to do to stay on top. There are a lot of other brands as well and we all push each other. I learn something new every single day.”
Gloria Young can be reached at gloriay@goldcountrymedia.com
PerformancEDU Athlete Annie Reiswig MVP
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North Tahoe’s Lexie Courcier (7) was voted to the All-Mount Rose League first team, while teammates Heidi Jimenez (6) and Irene Rojas (to Jimenez’s right) were named to the second team.
Sylas Wright / Sun File Photo
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Darby Reeder of Whittell was voted 2A MVP of the Mount Rose League, which is made up of a mix of 2A and 3A schools around Lake Tahoe.
Joining Reiswig and Murphy were a number of players from both Truckee and North Tahoe, including one Laker and two Wolverines on the first team. The selections were voted on by the league’s coaches.
North Tahoe senior Lexie Courcier was voted to the first team at outside hitter, while Truckee senior Kiersten Knoppel was voted to the first team as a middle blocker and Truckee senior Katie Mohun was voted to the first team at libero.
Truckee sophomore Mackenzie Redner was voted to the second team at outside hitter, teammate Kaylee Lewis made the second team as a middle blocker and Brittany Thomas made the second team as a setter. North Tahoe seniors Heidi Jimenez and Irene Rojas were both voted to the second team, with Jimenez getting the nod at libero and Rojas as a utility player.
North Tahoe’s Anny Bolton and Truckee’s Angelena Sahlberg and Krysta Murphy received honorable mention recognition.
In 2A All-State voting, Courcier was named to the second team. Makenna Lommori of Yerington was the 2A State MVP and Nick Davis of Calvary Chapel and Nate Byrne of Whittell were voted Co-Coaches of the Year.
The 3A did not release All-State selections.
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3A/2A ALL-MT. ROSE LEAGUE
3A MVP: Annie Reiswig, Truckee
2A MVP: Darby Reeder, Whittell Coach of the Year: Erika Murphy, Truckee First Team Second Team Honorable Mention |
Testimonial on PerformancEDU
Do you have a friend who speaks so highly of a coach you just have to see for yourself what’s so special? Well, Marc is that coach! How many years have I “worked” out, flipping tractor tires, climbed Jacobs Ladder and thought… I’m going be ready for the season ahead! After just a few short sessions, Marc has taught me more about body position and awareness that makes my work out specific for me to be stronger. With really cool, easy movements that kick my butt, I can see my winter in the steeps being attacked and conquered! Seriously! If your ready to be better then you have ever been, check Marc out!
PerformancEDU’s Scott Dogget Testimonial
I totally lucked out finding Marc. I was in the process of buying a Precor elliptical machine from Nevada Home Fitness, mostly to burn calories and keep the arteries clear. In fact, I told the owner, Justin, exactly that and said I was looking for a trainer to help me get really fit (an elliptical machine, even a really good one like the one I bought, is absolutely no substitute for a professional trainer). I’m 51 and was, until recently, a bit of a couch potato. Justin looked at me and said something like, “There’s a trainer creating a workout center right next door and I highly recommend him.” I went next door and there was Marc, huddled with some contractors. The carpet wasn’t down yet and I think they were discussing it; the large room seemed a long way from being ready for working out in. I asked Marc for a couple minutes of his time, which he gladly provided, to tell me about his methods and his rates. I’d had a great trainer in Pasadena about 10 years ago and Marc’s enthusiasm as he spoke instantly reminded me of him. It was a Friday and Marc and I agreed my first workout with him would be on Monday, even though I had serious doubts about whether the training facility would be ready in three days. Sure enough it was, which impressed me, and Marc lead me through a terrific hour-long workout session. I should mention that when I got there the client ahead of me was a ski racer for Squaw Valley; that impressed me, too, because I knew then that Marc trained real athletes and not just older guys like me who are eager to return their bods to how they were some 30 years ago. That return-to-former-glory is absolutely doable, by the way, as I’m discovering. The session started out with 4 minutes on a high-tech spinner, followed by Marc stretching out my legs, hips, glutes and lower back. After that, he led me through a series of exercises in which my body’s weight provided the chief form of resistance, although soon enough in our sessions various pieces of equipment and some weights were incorporated. I’ve now been going to Marc three times a week for nearly two months. Although my primary objective is to get in great shape for The Inca Trail and trekking in the Himalayas and Alaska’s Denali National Park, I’ve lost four inches off my waist line and my whole bod’s starting to look really good. In another two months I suspect I’ll be able to wear clothes I haven’t worn since I was running around El Salvador with Nikons during that country’s civil war in the 1980s. Moreover, I can simply do so much more physically than I could just two months ago. My overall strength has increased enormously, as has my stamina. But, and this really surprised me because I’ve been stiff all my life, I’m now limber; my range of motion has improved astonishingly. I never thought I could be limber, like my bod just wouldn’t permit it. Marc’s debunked that theory. I’ve got a Mt. Rose ski pass and really look forward to the upcoming season because I already know I’ll enjoy it. Last year skiing really wasn’t very fun for me. My quads burned after just three runs and I had to stop fairly often to catch my breath. This season there will be none of that. That’s apparent. Hiking has already become so much easier. Marc’s doing just what I wanted: He’s helping me get in killer shape and because he’s so enthusiastic, I look really forward to the workouts. I feel super lucky to have found Marc and expect to continue working out with him for a very long time. His rates, by the way, are very reasonable — a full 50 percent less than what I paid my Pasadena trainer who, I now realize, wasn’t nearly as knowledgeable as Marc. I couldn’t be more pleased with Marc and can wholeheartedly recommend him.
PerformancEDU in Active.com
By Fara Rosenzweig
Active.com
Ski season is around the corner, which means it’s time to get your body ready before you hit the mountain. It’s vital to learn how to train your body for the slopes and recover properly to avoid any injuries.
Marc Digesti, Founder and Director of Performance at PerformancEDU, specializes in ski-specific training. With his extensive knowledge and expertise he’s created a system, Dryland Movement Program, to get adventure loversready to hit the mountains.
The Dryland Movement Program is broken into three phases:
- Phase 1: Foundation Phase (Finding Stability)
- Phase 2: Maintain Strength and Revisit Stability
- Phase 3: Absolute Strength
Since skiing or snowboarding involves a great deal of balance and stability, working on your foundation is key to staying injury-free. Digesti says, “If your body does not move well on the training floor, the same will be visible on skis. By improving stability and mobility in your shoulders, legs and hips, this will reduce the likelihood of injury, while increasing performance.”
A Sample Workout for Stability
Movement Preparation
- Glute Activation: Mini Band Walks Lateral: do two times for 10 yards.
- Lunge to Knee Hug: Six on each leg
- Lateral Lunge: Six on each leg
- Carioca: Do two times for 10 yards.
- Drop Squat: Six on each leg
- Inverted Hamstring: Six on each leg
- Hand Walks: Six times with full arm extension
Pillar Strength
- Single Leg Glute Bridge: Two sets, 10 on each leg
- Pillar Bridge With Hip Extension: Two sets, 10 on each leg
- Lateral Bridge With Leg and holds: Two times for 20 seconds
- Prone Arm Extension: Two sets, six on each arm
Neural Activation
- Ladder Dissociation: seven minutes
“Lateral strength work is specific for edging and pressured movements,” says Digesti.
Elasticity
- Lateral Box Hops: Three sets, 15 seconds each
- MB Rotational Slams: Three sets, six on each side
Strength 1
- DB Bench Press Alternating: Three sets, 10 repetitions
- Standing Wall Slides: Three sets, 10 repetitions
- Two Arm Two Leg RDL: Three sets, 10 repetitions
Strength 2
- Half Kneeling DB OH Alternating Press: Three sets, 10 on each arm
- Active Straight Leg Raise: Three sets, 10 on each leg
- TRX Eccentric Curls Single Leg: Three sets, 10 on each leg
Don’t forget to cool down afterwards. “Recovery is a crucial, yet it is often overlooked. In fact, recovery is an essential part of rebuilding muscle,” says Digesti. Use a foam roller and stretch to maintain strong muscles. Digesti suggests, “Foam rolling can help to relieve build up fascia, which can limit the body to move properly. Static stretching helps to maintain, and even regain range of motion in joints and lengthening your muscles and fascia.”
