Sean,
that was great post. Some really good questions asked. I am in the process of moving, but i really want to discuss some of your points. I will have my take on things in the next couple of weeks so bear with me....
Glad to hear things are going well
Jay aka Canada
1 comment:
Hey Guys,
It’s been a long time! I hope you are all well.
I thought I’d write to tell you about my latest API experience. I was so impressed with the overall product that API mentorship program provided that I arranged for them to come to my unit. As you may remember, I am an Army physical therapist. Generally, the fitness “culture” in the Army is run, push-ups and sit-ups. This is driven by the mandate to pass the semi-annual Army fitness test. Lately, there has been a lot interest in Gym Jones and Crossfit types of workouts. While this is admittedly better than the fitness test based workouts, it still is not a complete fitness program and leads to a lot of overuse type injuries. I personally believe the power-endurance training is critical for a warrior athlete; however, this is the top of the pyramid. APIs methodology must comprise the base of the pyramid.
So in attempt to start to change the fitness “culture” in my unit, we invited API out to do their first-ever off site mentorship program last February. It worked out super well. We ordered gym bundles (physioballs, valslides, mini-bands, Core Essentials book, etc) for all participants. Keiser and Power Plate provided demonstration equipment for us. My staff did ImETT VO2 analyzer testing and Functional Movement Screen testing on participants prior to the course. API brought out a primary instructor, an assistant instructor, a nutritionist, the military liaison, and for one day Paul Robbins (ESD guy who wrote the the workout protocols based on ImETT results). We did not have the facilities to do contrast bath during regen. So we improvised with 50 gallon trash cans! We placed them in the locker room shower and filled them with ice and water. Participants would sit the ice tub for 3 minutes and then take a hot shower for 3 minutes. It was humorous, but also effective. The cost worked out to $2,200 per participant and we had 20 people in the class. This was less expensive than sending our soldiers to an API facility. Our goal was to make these participants “trainers” for their perspective work section; thus, facilitating the change of culture.
Our initial class was so successful, that we invited them back again last week. This time Nick, Mr. Dorsiflex himself, was our primary instructor. By the way, he got engaged a couple of months ago!
I realize that we all work in a variety of settings, but I thought you’d find this interesting. If nothing else then it will remind you to think outside of the box!
DORSIFLEX!
v/r, Nancy
Nancy Teich MPT, OCS, ATC
MAJ, SP
U.S. Army
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