Are You Ready? Panther’s Jonathan Palmer Gives His Tips

I like it when my NFL guys bring a friend to training. I call it a 2 for 1. Two athletes, 1 intense welcome-to-my-gym workout, and lots of war stories to share.

Jonathan Palmer, an offensive lineman for the Carolina Panthers, joined his friend Marcus McNeil at Energy Fitness this summer. His first impression of me, “what have I gotten myself into?” Let’s just say our sledgehammer and punching workouts will have him moving quicker in space and edging out the competition this year.

Before heading to camp, Jonathan told me how the younger players can be ready for the pass block and the next opportunity to shine.

What is some advice that you can share with the younger offensive linemen?
My coaches always taught me in pass blocking to be patient. When you start to rush that is when you get beat.

What is some important general athletic advice that you received?
Nothing replaces hard work. No matter how much ability you have if you never put the work in, it will never show.

Any other words of wisdom you would like to pass on?
The main thing is that you remain focused. You are going to have your bumps in the road (injuries, coaches, not receiving playing time etc.). However, if you stay focused and work hard, you are gonna get that opportunity, and when you do, you are gonna
shine.

Follow Jonathan and the rest of the Panthers as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September 13th at 1:00 p.m. on Fox Network.

Offensive Tackle Marcus McNeill Offers up the Scoop on Energy Fitness

The Eastside made its way to the gym this July. Decatur’s own Marcus McNeill wanted to give me a test run, and decided to stay….at least until open day for camp! He offers up the scoop on my training and how you can be just like him.

1. I heard about John through the grapevine. A lot of guys in the NFL use him, and I decided to test him out.

2. I think he has me in better shape than I have ever been going back into camp. [His training] is a total body workout. John works not only on weight training but trains your body to be fit.


3. I like the way that [John] works out because it’s continuous. Many times when you workout with other guys you might workout but then you have a lot of leisure time to sit around and talk. When you are training here, as soon as you walk through the door, you are working until you leave.

4. A lot of the things that [offensive linemen] do on the field has to deal with your core and your balance. John really works all that. Regardless of the workout, you will get a good core workout develop good core strength.

5. You have to really stay focused. Sometimes it’s easy to go astray, especially in metro Atlanta. I think what John has going really helps out a lot of kids that have great potential.

Marcus is back in action with the Chargers today against the Oakland Raiders at 10:15 p.m. EST on ESPN.

Miami Dolphin’s Jason Allen Spells His Formula for Success

This summer marked my second off season training stint with Jason Allen, a defensive back with the Miami Dolphins. As product of the Tennessee Volunteers, he learned about me from my brother Jamal; and decided to give my hands on, nontraditional training methods a try.

He put in his share of work in the gym, on the bike, in the sandpit, at the track and on the trail. Jason even tested his limits with a few visits to our Hip Hop Cardio dance class. Before heading off to camp, Jason sat down to give me his ABC’s for success.

A. Advice for the Future Footballers:

“There is no room for excuses. I came from a small town where I didn’t know of anyone who went to the NFL or NBA. The only thing that I had was the sled and the hill. I put the sled on my back, put the weight [on it] and just worked out on the hill. Also, I did extra things in the weight room [such as] bench press and squat machines. I can’t discount the God given talent that I had but that can only take you so far. At the end of the day, hard work, dedication, discipline and determination to get a job done are pieces of wisdom that I received and I take to heart.”

B. Benefits of Energy Fitness:

“John specializes in different [training] techniques. He makes sure you are working on the small things-lateral movement, speed, stretching and working muscles that you normally overlook. These are some things that other trainers [don’t do] and these little things help to prevent injuries. Also, John’s focus on quick twitch muscles, hand and foot movements are necessary to my development as a defensive back. He gives me individualized attention and makes sure I am doing the right things to make myself better on the field.”

C. Cultivating the Community:

“Once or twice per year I head down to Muscle Shoals, Alabama to train with my high school team. I give the [players] different techniques and drills they can use to make them better players on the field.”

Watch Jason and the Dolphins take the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 27th at 8:00 p.m. on Fox network.

A DTLR Sample

In case you missed out on the free DTLR football camp this summer at Hallford Stadium, here is a sample of what is in store for summer 2010. Enjoy!

We Live Up to the Hype!

It is common to see trainers and clients from our gym wearing t-shirts that read, “It’s not the workout, but the intensity.”

This marketing tag line has an interesting origin. I have had many initial conversations with clients where they explain their previous exercise regiment. However, once we perform their identical workout, it becomes evident that their previous training lacked the intensity needed to create the results that they desire.

At Energy Fitness, our level of intensity is not a verbal one. It is purely physical, and because I am, in many occasions, doing the drills right alongside the clients. There is no question that the level of expectancy in a client’s workout is attainable.

Some may question why we have such a high expectation level for our clients. I believe that there is enough information available to the public so everyone can become active. However once you are participating in some form of exercise, it is time to up the ante and strive towards a higher level of fitness. Our goal is not simply train you to do advanced drills, but to build a healthy lifestyle.

Our philosophy benefits our clients in several ways. First, their level of expectation increases. They expect a difference in their energy level, physical appearance, and outlook on life. After enduring multiple sessions with us, they know change is inevitable. Secondly, it prevents clients from paying monthly fees, but not taking advantage of our services. In the back of their minds, they know that it will be a steep hill to climb to return to their level of fitness if they take a month off. Lastly, our training exercises work different motions simultaneously. As a result, we move our clients quickly past the soreness stage and help their bodies to adjust to their new level of training.

What is the result? A gym that lives up to the hype, and clients who keep returning for more!