Any other questions? Call Reed Matlbie at (352) 377-4955 Q: What is the Athletic Academy?

The Athletic Academy at Gainesville Health and Fitness provides a fully integrated sports performance training program aimed at creating better athletes. We seek to train pure athleticism as measured by speed, power, agility, reaction, endurance, and quickness.

Q: How do you train your Athletes?

We accomplish our results by first measuring athletic benchmarks and then applying a training program which progresses from developing sound basic fundamental movements to more dynamic and complex training exercises. During training, our focus on correcting and re-correcting fundamentals assures that we are tapping into your true athleticism as well as preventing future injuries through physiologically correct movements.

Q: What Equipment will I Train with?

At the Athletic Academy we use a range of training devices including the VertiMax resistance device. This training program is targeted at increasing an athlete’s reaction ability as well as their strength and speed. The VertiMax will also increase your jumping potential and your ability to change direction effortlessly. Currently 13 NFL Teams, including 5 of the last 6 Super Bowl Champions own and train on VertiMax, as well as the 2006 National Champion Florida Gators.

We use equipment as assistance in our process and not as crutches. We believe strongly in building athletes where they play, on the field, and therefore try not to get them reliant on devices that do not translate to play. Devices are features of our program, but the benefits are the results we get with our athletes. If we can get you those results without using special equipment, the translation to the field is that much more correlative.

As for the vertimaxe, it is an advanced training device that we do endorse, but it should be used with the supervision of an expert and typically elicits results from advanced athletes. It is not always used with our programs unless we feel the athlete is ready for it.

We also train on a state-of-the-art field turf surface to ensure consistent workouts and reduce injury risk. While we see value in training devices, we also know that athletes play as they practice, so our primary focus is training you in environments and techniques similar to game play. Michael Jordan did not win 6 NBA titles on a treadmill.

Q: What sports benefit from this?

Due to our philosophy of building better overall athletes, you will see an increase in ability in virtually all sports that you compete in.

We have experience playing, coaching, and training athletes in football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, track and field, wrestling, rugby, golf, and multi-sport endurance athletes.

No matter your sport, if you are committed to evolving your game to your greatest potential, contact us.

Q: What ages do you work with?

The Athletic Academy is targeted towards two different ages of athletes. Beginning at age 7 and continuing until age 17 we believe in working on solid fundamentals and mechanics to fully train the body in the correct movements for the safest and most effective workouts.

Beginning at age 18 we feel like the Athlete is ready to progress to working on the specific parts of their game to fine tune it to a collegiate level. At this stage we can adequately assess what improvements an athlete needs to make to become a superior competitor.

Q: What type of training is sport performance…what do you do to train us differently than in a gym?

Sport Performance Training is targeted at training your body so that you can compete at the highest level possible. Unlike in a gym setting where you spend your time doing isolated exercise, sport performance training will train you how to use your muscles at the same time, just like in real game situations. The aim is to reduce your reaction time and increase your overall fitness.

We train athletes in multi-plane, dynamic movements that mimic the actual games you play. We use body weight and plyometrics, we focus on building the core, and most importantly, refining movement patterns. Great athletes are not built in labs and in gyms, they are honed there. Great athletes are made on the field of play and that is where we train you.

Q: Who are my performance coaches?

All of the coaches at the Athletic Academy are CSCS certified and have either played or coached at the collegiate or Olympic level. We will teach you how to compete and train smarter, keep fit, and prevent injury. We all have scientifically-based training backgrounds and have worked with myriad athletes over the years to hone our craft. We believe in the concept of the Evolved Athlete, and thus we evolve our training and education regularly through advanced degrees, training certifications, and seminars. Sport Performance is a constantly changing science, and we keep up pace so we can pass the most effective, cutting edge knowledge on to you.

Our list of certifications includes: CSCS, USA-Weightlifting, SPARQ, USAO to name a few.

Q: What are the different training programs you offer?

4-Week Sport Performance: This is our flagship offering. The rigorous training program is geared to athletes who want to be more than better, they want to transcend the game. We test pure athleticism before any training so you have a benchmark and then spend the bulk of the 8 weeks correcting and refining movement patterns and building power systems. Our goal is to give you the tools and training to evolve your game.
Endurance Team Training: This program will build your team’s endurance so that you can continue functioning at your maximum level for longer periods of time. Our experienced endurance team will train you to run Triathlons and Marathons and compete better in longer more demanding races.

Individual Olympic Power Lifting: You will train to be stronger than before with our Olympic certified coaches. We work with a handful of Olympic hopeful sprinters, collegiate runners, and high school athletes in this program.

Golf Sport Performance: We will teach you the proper movements and rotations to maximize your distance and accuracy. Our tested training program works on your mechanics and strength to give you the game you’ve wanted. We are partnered with teaching professionals to ensure that the physical enhancements our training provides lines up with your swing and skill. As an added benefit in this program, our mental skills coach works with the golfers to develop greater mental skills for superior performance.

As we watch PGA golfers turn more and more to a team of coaches (mental, fitness, skill) it only makes sense that the rest of us would want the same training when we step on the practice range.

Q: Do you work with private groups or teams?

Yes we do. Call us about rates and specific coaching questions.

Q: Who are some of the athletes or teams you have worked with?

Some of our recent clients include Santa Fe High School Soccer, the University of Florida Dazzlers, former NCAA Semi-Final Soccer players, and more.

We also have a combined 30 years of working with youth athletes at all phases and levels of the game. Whether you are seeking gold or wanting to score your first goal in the YMCA league, we know your needs.

Q: How Much Does the Athletic Academy Cost?

Call Reed Matlbie at (352) 377-4955 for more details about rates.