Weight Lifting Program (Cont.)

You might think this is a rather time consuming commitment and it is but please understand that if your child has any hopes of playing at the highest possible level he or she has to be very serious and must have a view towards the long haul. But forget about playing at the next level, just think how committed they will be to other events in their lives if they can commit to this. It will not only build up their physique it will build up their confidence and self esteem as well. Some of you might think your child is not mature enough and/or think it is too long for their attention span. Both concerns may be valid but why not try and lick both problems with one solution. Don't under estimate their resolve, they may get motivated in ways you never thought of. The main purpose of the time frame is that in reality no one can expect to work out for a month or two haphazardly and see significant results. If you want results you have to do specific routines on specific nights for long periods of time. Most importantly when each participant is finished this program they will have gone through a system that is focused on teaching them techniques that they will use for a life time and it will be incredibly beneficial to those that are serious enough to move on in the hockey world, or any athletic endeavor for that matter. I might add that this is a physical activity that is something every kid and adult needs. It also keeps them off the street and away from the TV and video games (and girls) for at least a few hours each week. I remember when my son was in high school, we had a mini gym set up in our garage and he and his friends would lift for hours, sometimes on weekends I would find them lifting at midnight. That was always a great feeling for me as a parent.

While it is geared to the younger athlete it will be open to older people as well. Some Dads have already signed up in the hopes of losing weight and are debating as to whether to be lifting buddies with their sons. The good part is that if you want to lift with your son you can but if he wants his own buddy and you get your own, if you start out at opposite ends of the rotation you may not even see each other until the end of the night. You both have your privacy. I would actually like to see some females of all ages sign up but I do not have any confirmed females as of yet. Some Mother's have expressed an interest so come on Mom's, get a buddy and join in the fun. Or if you know of any young female athletes who want to work out please let them know. My two assistants are both young women in their early 20's who can pretty well kick the butt of any of the male lifters so you and/or your daughters should not feel intimidated to be with just boys, you will have back up. So don't worry about gender differences or about size or maturity differences either. Each twosome works out at their own stations and at their own individual levels without interference from others. We start out slow and on day 1 we take body measurements and establish base line strengths at each station. Then on day two it's proper lifting techniques and we stress to them how important it is to go slow during the first session to prepare their muscles for recovery and to get ready for the big lifting to come. We also talk about and they receive take home information on diet and nutrition. It's not until week two that they are into the actual lifting routines. Then for the remainder of session 1 they're getting their muscles used to maximum stress levels in a new, specific way that most of them will never have experienced before. They also prepare to get their minds and bodies focused on doing the best they can to reach their long range goals. It's sessions two and three where they get a real feel for lifting and where they start to see significant results. Then look out because in sessions 4 and 5 they built up those little pimples on their arms and legs into massive mounds of rippling muscle tissue... okay I'm exaggerating a bit but my point is, while they have to understand that in 5 months they won't look like Arnold Swartzanegger, they will see significant results and their self esteem will be very high. This can and will be an important part of a young athletes development.

When I was younger I joined a number of health clubs but because it was not structured I never went, I always found something more fun to do. I assure you this will be a fun atmosphere and no one will be pressured to do what they cannot do. We will push them to their own limits but they won't be forced by peer pressure to try things they shouldn't. That I will guarantee. I also realize that some parents think this may be expensive but I can assure you the value will be better than any gym member ship that they may or may not go to. It will also be as close to one-on-one training as they will get anywhere with out having to pay for it. Other programs with this much emphasize on the individual are far more expensive while others that are cheaper only give you the opportunity to show up if you want to. From experience I can tell you if there is a reason, any reason, not to go, most of us don't go. Another important fact is that the program is conducted in a safe, clean atmosphere and I really want to thank Space City Ice Station for their help in keeping the cost down so your kids can work out. They were great in helping me work out an affordable price. While I'm at it I want to thank BAHHA for sending my brochure out to their Bantam and Midget e-mailing lists.

There are some added perks other than the work out. Each participant receives a workout t-shirt, weight lifting gloves and a very informative text book (gender specific) on muscle development and strength training. The publisher that I bought the books from tells me it is a college text book but I can assure you it is not too technical for the kids and is a very detailed, illustrative book that your kids will love. I think you will too. It is fascinating to see how muscle structure works and how, when you think you are working just one muscle it actually affects and strengthens other muscles at the same time. This book exhibits muscles in great detail and shows almost every station and free weight exercise that we do.

I really believe this summer work out will be something your kids will look back on and say it made a difference in their lives. At least that is my goal. I hope to introduce them to a positive, fun atmosphere of physical activity that lasts them a life time.

If any of you have any additional concerns or comments or additional brochures (see attached) please call me at 713-299-5815 or email me at gwgamble@aol.com. While there is still plenty of room we do have limits on the number of lifters we will be able to train so please sign up as soon as possible. You can mail your completed forms to me at the address on the sign up portion of the brochure or call me and we'll meet somewhere and I'll pick them up. If you are going to sign up but won't be there until one of the opening nights please at least drop me an e-mail as to the t-shirt size(s) you will be needing. It will make ordering a lot easier.

Thanks again,

Coach Gamble