|
Tony was responsible for our weight
training program with the members of the Rose-Hulman Institute baseball team during the 2000-01 seasons. Our team had been
eliminated from the conference tournament the previous spring, and in our post game discussion with the team we indicated
that they were not beat on the field that day, but in fact were beat in the weight room, as our opponent was simply
stronger than we were. As coaches, we committed ourselves to implementing a quality weight training program into our
season conditioning plan. Tony was contacted and he put together the program, as well as guided the athletes through
it.
Needless to say the results were
immediately seen on the field. We went from hitting 4 homeruns as a team in 2000, to a then school record 29
homeruns in the 2001 season. Our doubles went from 64 to 86 as a team, and our slugging percentage improved from
.383 to .523 during the 2001 season. These numbers speak to the value of Tony’s’ weight training program. More
importantly, our players were sold on the program and we continued to use it. The incoming freshman class during
Tony’s first year working with us just graduated this past spring. They were able to engage in his weight training
program for four years and the results are even more impressive. That class set all kinds of school records
offensively during their careers, including the two highest slugging percentages and 3 of the top 5; the tope two doubles
and the 3 of the 4; and the career homerun hitter.
More importantly than these individual
numbers is the fact that our team set an all time record for wins in a year this past season, and the group of seniors who
benefited from Tony’s weight program for their four years leave with the most wins by a class during their career.
Obviously the weight training program that Tony set op for our baseball team not only made us stronger, but also more
successful.
Sean Bendel
Assistant Coach
Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology
|
|
I discovered Tony Reynolds and PSS Athletics nearly 18 months ago, at a particularly difficult time in my
life. I was finishing my fifth year of caring for my elderly mother, in her home, and trying to keep my home and
family running too. I was depressed, and physically and emotionally exhausted. At the urging of my family,
I signed up for a month's worth of workouts, hoping for a mental lift, as much as a physical lift. During the
first week, my mom died. My inclination was to discontinue, as going to the gym didn't seem a high
priority. Tony advised me to take as much time as I needed, and he would be ready to start again, whenever
I was.
Reluctantly, I came back to the gym the next week, and began the workout program Tony
designed. I was a skeptic...being married to a physician, I was always hearing "You need to exercise! You would feel
better..." When was I going to fit in exercise? My feet hit the ground in the morning, and I was busy all
day. I battled depression, and when I wasn't performing my daily duties, I could be found hiding out in the kitchen...often
eating my way through several days worth of groceries!
One day, in a fit of utter surrender, I decided my husband was right. I had no idea how I was going to
accomplish an exercise program, when there were days that I couldn't even get the beds all made, but I dove in with
both feet. I found that during the initial first few months, life was an emotional roller coaster ride. I was
coming from my "stay at home mom/caregiver world," to adhering to a daily schedule at the gym, and a "doing something
all for me world." I felt excited and encouraged, and at the same time scared and guilty (how could I spend money
on something so selfish?)
There were tired muscles, sore arms and legs, and initially, real fatigue. There were complaints, lots at
first, but through it all, Tony never lost focus of what we were there to accomplish, and I gained confidence through
the confidence he had in me.
My life took an unbelievable leap forward - not to say a transformation, as that implies a life that I didn't recognize as
mine - but a dramatic shift. I have never experienced anything like the feeling of empowerment that this training program
gives you. It is possible to effect change, and take control of your choices, no matter what happens in life! The
choices result in the change, and Tony guides you through the learning process with care and expertise. I knew nothing
about exercise, and less about what I could accomplish. Tony designed a program that was a combination of strength and
cardio conditioning, and the benefits were real and measurable. I could talk at length about the weight loss, the
energy, the stress relief, and no longer being short of breath when climbing the stairs at home....those were the
measurable benefits of the program.
The "real" benefits are more fulfilling than those mentioned. Every day I can look forward to doing
something positive. I am happier, more balanced, and feel terrific about myself.
I have learned that progress is not a straight line, and have had to rearrange my exercise program to accommodate my new
endeavors. The online training program has worked for me in that regard. I am able to touch base with Tony,
through email and the web, and I receive timely feedback, that allows me to move ahead with my goals. I have control of
my work schedule and my workout schedule, and can still continue with my training partner (my daughter), though we exercise
at different times. The technology is easy to use, and efficient. It has kept me going when I may
have otherwise discontinued. I am combining the online program with the meal plan that Tony has customized for me, and
am continuing to reap the benefits!
PSS Athletics and Tony Reynolds continue their commitment to my success, and I am the better for it!
It is with deepest appreciation that I make these statements, and confidently recommend PSS Athletics to anyone wanting to
improve their life.
~Marilyn
Oehler
|