Here at Loomis Chaffee, lift is a crucial part of the athletics program. Lift coaches Nhat Mai and Shaun Fishel work with varsity athletes throughout their seasons and during the off-seasons to build strength and speed. Lift is offered for varsity athletes all three seasons as an afterschool program both in the morning and afternoon, which is especially accessible for Pelicans who wish to improve in their main sport. The coaches work hard to offer different lift programs with specific exercises that are customized for each sport.
Along with varsity lifts, Coach Mai and Coach Fishel also run team lifts. The team’s schedule can affect the intensity and goals of the lift, but every team is different, and the coaches switch up the programs for each team.
“[We cater to the team’s needs like getting] stronger, faster, more powerful, and getting bigger if they need to,” Coach Mai said.
Varsity teams lift twice a week, with their workouts including a variety of exercises like hip mobility, bench pressing, front squatting, and rolling out. Lift gives varsity athletes the opportunity to improve and recover between games while simultaneously preventing injury, making it a vital part of the Loomis athletic experience.
Lifting is extremely beneficial during the season, but it can show more value in the off-season. “Lifting builds tissue resilience, helps improve motor function and patterns, [which] helps you move better,” said Coach Mai when asked about the importance of having multiple lift programs at different times in the year. “Making these improvements without the physical taxation that comes from actively playing will ensure that the athletes are well-prepared when the season rolls around.”
“Doing general exercises [in the weight room] will make it easier to do all of the sports drills on the field,” Coach Mai added.
Coach Fish concurred: “The focus of performance training is helping athletes become faster, more conditioned, and helping them achieve individual goals [like] strength [and] power,” he said.
Although the lift program remains relatively unchanged across the season and the off-season, some minor yet important adjustments occur between seasons that have an immense impact in the long run.
“In season, the intensity goes down to help you play your sport without being as sore,” said Coach Mai, “[and in the off season,] you’re there to build, you’re there to get better, you do a little bit more and by a little, I mean a lot.” While the approaches differ throughout the year, the end goal is the same: to build the strongest, quickest athletes possible.
Although lifting is a serious commitment, it is also meant to be a fun and stress-free environment, with games such as med ball volleyball, capture the flag, and spike ball being common occurrences and favorites among athletes. “It’s important to be firm but not rigid so that we can adapt and provide the best possible experience each day,” Coach Fish explained. Music is also played each day, creating an upbeat and positive environment.
Varsity and team lifts at Loomis provide Pelican athletes with an integral part of competitive high school sports, aiding them in challenging their physical and mental potential while simultaneously fostering camaraderie with peers.
