Mission Statement
Harvard University Strength and Conditioning Program is committed
to providing the ultimate training experience for each
student-athlete. Our focus is building the total athlete while
reducing the risk of injury through individual evaluation and
program design. Developing strong relationships with each athlete
is a fundamental building block essential to the success of
Harvard.
Why train using the Harvard Program?
There are three main benefits of the Harvard University Strength
and Conditioning Program: performance enhancement, injury
prevention, and life skills.
Performance Enhancement &
Injury Prevention
1.1 Program Design
Our program design will encompass eight scientifically confirmed
principles that improve athletic performance. These principles are
the following:
1.1a Ground Based Movements
Movements that are performed with the athlete's feet on
the ground are more productive than movements performed while
sitting or lying down. Virtually all sports skills are executed
with the athlete's feet on the ground. Applying a force against the
ground causes an equal and opposite reaction in the direction of
the movement. The greater the force you can generate against the
ground, the faster you can run and the higher you can jump. Ground
based power is critical to athletic success. Training with your
feet on the ground requires the athlete to stabilize his own body
structure which in turn increases proprioception and strengthens
stabilization muscles reducing the risk of injury.
1.1b Multiple Joint Movements
Exercises that work more than one joint at a time are the most
productive exercises for athletes. Athletic skills require multiple
joint actions timed in the proper neuromuscular recruitment
patterns. A sound strength program is built around multiple joint
movements.
Multiple Joint movements promote the most lean body mass gains
through the secretion of growth hormone and testosterone.
1.1c Three Dimensional Movements
Athletic skills involve movement in three planes simultaneously:
side to side, up and down, forward and backward. We must develop
functional strength in all three planes. The only way to accomplish
this is with free weights. Using free weights develops the primary
muscles as well as the stabilization muscles. For example squatting
with free weights strengthens the stabilization muscles of the
torso, hip, knee and ankle. Machines do not develop the
stabilization structures supporting the major joints. By developing
stabilization strength we prevent injuries and improve body
control.
1.1d Explosive Training
Athletic movements in power sports, such as football,
basketball, tennis and wrestling, are very quick and explosive.
Training explosively with free weights, plyometrics and medicine
balls stimulates the recruitment of fast twitch muscle fibers, thus
developing power. If you train slowly you will become slow. The
biggest difference between strength and power is speed of movement.
Strength alone is useless, power wins games. Developing the ability
to apply force rapidly improves on field performance.
1.1e Progressive Overload
Overload happens when the body responds to training loads
greater than normal. Overload causes muscle tissue to breakdown and
go into a catabolic state. The body then adapts with proper rest
and nutrition. By compensating repeatedly, the muscles develop
strength or endurance depending on the stimulus. Proper and
progressive application of the training load (volume + intensity)
is a fundamental component in program design which will maximize
performance while preventing injuries.
1.1f Periodization
Periodization is the progressive variation of training regulated
by the period of the year and the maturity of the athlete. When the
neuromuscular system becomes accustomed to a training stimulus over
a period of time it will cease to progress. Periodization promotes
continued training progress throughout an athlete's career.
1.1g Specificity of Conditioning
The objective of conditioning is to improve energy capacity of
an athlete during competition. There are three systems of energy
for the body: Phosphagen, Glycolytic, and Aerobic(Oxidative). The
phosphagen system uses ATP and CP to provide the energy for
explosive bouts of exercise lasting up to 8 seconds. The glycolytic
system uses lactic acid and ATP to provide the energy for moderate
intensity bouts of eight seconds to one minute. The Aerobic system
provides the energy for low intensity activities over a long period
of time using slow twitch muscle fibers.
The initial step in designing a conditioning program is to
determine the energy system used in the specific sport. The system
used in power sports is the phosphagen system, while the system
used for a 10,000 meter run is the aerobic system. There are
physiological reasons why a football player trains differently than
a distance runner. A football player must develop tremendous
efficiency within the phosphagen system. Research has shown that
building an aerobic base can be counter productive to development
of strength, speed and power. A distance runner needs to be
efficient at transporting Oxygen to the appropriate muscles.
So, we will focus on the proper system for each respective
sport.
1.1h Interval Training
Interval training is work followed by a prescribed rest
interval. This method is used to develop the ATP energy system.
Athletes must train a work to rest ratio that corresponds with
their specific sport. In football, for example, the basic work to
rest ratio is 1:6. If the rest interval is to short, the amount of
ATP replenished is not sufficient to meet the demands of maximum
intensity effort, resulting in a lack of explosiveness and a poor
training effect. We must perform with the same explosiveness at the
end of games as we do in the beginning. Interval training has also
been shown to increase aerobic capacities in athletes.
Using these eight principles, along with the evaluation of each
athlete's strength's, weaknesses, previous injuries, training
maturity and specific sport requirements, each program will be
tailored to meet his needs. Strong lines of
communication must be developed between the coaches, athletes,
sports medicine staff and myself for the program to function
effectively.
Life Skills
Harvard strength and conditioning is committed to the idea of
sound mind, sound body. Through the guidance of strength coaches,
student-athletes develop skills such as discipline, perseverance,
goal-setting, teamwork, mental toughness and work ethic. These
instill habits that will lead students to better and healthier
lives.
Why train at the Palmer Dixon Strength and Conditioning
Center?
Year round training is now needed to successfully compete at the
highest level of college athletics. The Palmer Dixon Strength and
Conditioning Center is designed to meet this training demand. The
24,000 square foot facility contains twelve 40yd turf lanes, 24
full service Power Racks and Olympics lift platforms, and a
conditioning loft with of 30 pieces of cardio equipment. There is
no finer collegiate facility in the country.
What is the Iron Crimson Way?
The Iron Crimson way is about intensity and consistency.
There must be a drive and a determination to get better every
single day, in every single way. There can never be a day
where an athlete can feel like they are not better after leaving a
workout. Every rep whether it is max effort rep or an
unloaded rep must be done with maximum intensity. This
mentality has to be carried with you at all times. It's about
the consistent pursuit of excellence every day.
Expectations
By choosing to be a collegiate athlete you have chosen to be
different from everyone else. Therefore, there are different
expectations for you. You are expected to study, eat, sleep, and
train in a manner that is indicative of a champion. Approach all
aspects of your life with the highest level of intensity,
determination, and attention to detail.
There is nothing comfortable about getting an college education
and playing a division I sport to the highest level possible.
You will be required to sleep while some of your friends are out
partying, you will wake up early while your friends are sleeping
in. You will be asked to study, while some of your friends
are relaxing. You will be held to a higher standard than the
general population. But being uncomfortable is the only way
to push one's self to achieve greatness. You can't move
forward staying in your comfort zone.
Invest Your Time... Do Not Simply Spend It!
Rules and
Regulations of the Palmer Dixon Strength & Conditioning
Center
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The Palmer Dixon Strength and Conditioning Center is for Harvard
University Varsity Athletes, athletic department staff and coaches
only.
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Every Varsity Athlete must go through the Strength and
Conditioning Orientation before they may train in the facility.
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The only Strength and Conditioning Programs allowed are those
designed and implemented by the Harvard University Strength and
Conditioning Staff.
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This is Iron Crimson Country; no other College or University
apparel is allowed.
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All teams with issue gear must wear it when strength and
conditioning training.
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No jewelry, hats or other head covers allowed.
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Sleeves must be on T Shirts.
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Appropriate athletic training shoe required at all times.
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No food; including gum allowed in Palmer Dixon.
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Absolutely no tobacco or alcohol products at any time in this
facility.
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Music will controlled by strength staff only and must be
appropriate.
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Headphones are only allowed in the machine conditioning loft.
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It is the athletes' responsibility to ensure proper nutrition,
hydration and rest both prior to and following each strength and
conditioning session in order to ensure training progress. Each
athlete should bring, fill and use her/his own water bottle to stay
hydrated during training. This will ensure a strong finish to the
session.
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Teams and their athletes will arrive to Palmer Dixon at least 5
minutes before their scheduled strength and conditioning session
start time in order to fill out their cards and prepare themselves
and their stations.
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Athletes must fill out lifting cards completely. Fill in all
weights used and indicate the number of reps achieved on every set.
Good record keeping helps a great deal in long term improvements.
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All training begins with a proper warm-up usually involving but
not limited to self-administered massage rollers, footwork ladders
and dynamic flexibility. The training session will end with static
stretching. The team's Head Strength Coach will decide the exact
protocols for all warm-ups and flexibility.
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Athletes will follow the order of the program. The exercises are
set-up so that all explosive movements are done first, with the
major compound lifts following them. The assistance movements are
always the last exercises done. This will allow the athlete to have
maximal strength and energy for the major lifts.
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Only excellent technique in all training movements will be
tolerated. This means always having control of the barbell or
dumbbells. Focus and effort is critical in performing excellent
technique.
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Athletes must follow the lifting cards and the prescribed
weights exactly as they are written throughout the card. This
progression is designed for maximal improvement and peak strength
levels right at the conclusion of the training cycle.
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Spotters must be present during movements that
require a spot. There can be no forced reps, which can cause
excessive microtears in the muscle, thereby making the athlete
weaker.
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SAFE lifting environment. This means having competent spotters,
using collars on free weight lifts, and keeping plates off the
floor.
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Athletes will put back all equipment in the correct location
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Everyone will sanitize the area where they trained.
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Failure to follow the facility rules or 3 unexcused training
session misses will result in an athletes' indefinite suspension
from the Strength and Conditioning Program.
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When entering Palmer Dixon, be prepared to train. Wear
appropriate clothing, have your shoes tied, and be mentally
prepared to improve. Only 100% effort is acceptable.
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Be respectful of the Strength and conditioning Staff, athletes
and the facility. Remember training with Harvard Strength and
Conditioning is a privilege.
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Remember; Harvard Strength and Conditioning is here to help each
athlete maximize their potential.
