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.
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