Bon Secours Sports Performance FAQs

Bon Secours Sports Performance of Richmond has partnered with the Tuckahoe Sports Training Center to provide valuable Sports Performance Classes at TSI.

The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide clarity for families of student-athletes who strike to perform at the highest level in practices and in games.

What is the main benefit of speed and agility classes for my younger athlete?

There are several benefits to a speed and agility program for younger athletes.  Quickly stated, the improvement in coordination and quality of movement are greatly improved.  Young athletes that are growing into their bodies, need to be challenged with tasks that encourage agility and quick response.

What is the main benefit of Strength and Conditioning (S&C) for my athlete?

A well-organized strength and conditioning program will yield many benefits for all athletes.  An S&C program not only strengthens the muscles, but it strengthens the ligaments, tendons and bones in the body as well.  Also, a S&C program should focus on good range of motion and stability throughout that range of motion.  Range of motion, with stability and a stronger structure should lead to athletic gains in performance and to a reduced chance of injury.

My athlete already trains at a gym.  What does your program offer that will enhance the benefits for my child?

The difference between just working out and using some weights and an organized, focused and progressive program can not be overstated.  The progressive overloading (under control), in a manner that builds in difficulty of movement and in skill required for those movements will result in a far superior result, in regards to athletic performance.

What is the truth about lifting for female vs male athletes?

When training male and female athletes there are very few instances that the two are really separate.  And may have more to do with the sport they are playing than any physiological differences.  Women’s sports are extremely competitive in today sports world and their training/preparation should reflect that reality.  Weight training for female athletes is just as much of a necessity as it is for male athletes.

Can I work out on my own?

The knowledge base required to really move your ability forward is hard to find, comprehend the nuances of and then execute those philosophies. There is a significant difference from getting a “work out” in and Training.  Training is a planned, progressive addition of skills and abilities that result in a desired outcome.  Working out is just making yourself sweat for 45 minutes to an hour.

We do have an offering for those older athletes that would entail receiving a weekly program from Bon Secours which is completed at the athletes choice of days within the facility.

Should I expect to reenroll in sessions after my athlete completes the initial session?

Short answer YES.  It takes time to learn exercises (properly), become capable with those and then see the gains from them.  Strength and conditioning programs work best when they consistently used.  Training for 1 month and then not again for 2 or 3 months, makes it difficult to see any real progress in knowledge of lifts, strength gains or improvements.

How does nutrition figure into my athlete’s health and what does Bon Secours offer?

Nutrition is a key component of an athlete’s success.  Fueling your body for the all-day event that a tournament can be, to the day-to-day of training is essential.  We are stressing our body with playing sport and training, if we do not have the food supplementation to help the body recover, we are going to be negatively impacted.

The way you see this is a number of small things at first, such as exhaustion, small muscular injuries, illness like a cold, and so on.  Bon Secours will offer team education sessions, coaching seminars and also offer individual nutrition consultations.  Insurance can be used for the individual sessions, check with your insurance to see the number of sessions allowed and for your benefits in general. See also Bon Secours nutritionist information.

How large are the groups sizes?

We are going to allow group sizes of up to 15 for the Beginner groups, Intermediate and Speed and Agility sessions.  The advance group sessions are going to be limited to 8 per class.

What if we are looking for individual training sessions?

We can offer individual training sessions for your athletes, either at TSI or at one of our Bon Secours locations.  Contact us at Bon Secours if you would like more information about scheduling and individual session.

How are Bon Secours Coaches certified?

At Bon Secours, we require the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).  The CSCS is seen as the gold standard for Strength and Conditioning Coaches.  It is also one of a handful of certification agencies that is accepted to be a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the NCAA level.

How do I register for classes?

Registering for classes is similar to the way you register lessons with coaches.  Sign into EZ Facility and register as you would a class.  If you are seeking individual sessions, you will purchase a package similar to lesson packages with a certain number of sessions.  As you attend and check in the sessions will be marked as attended.  The front desk will be able to assist in advising how many sessions are left in your package at any time.

What are the levels of classes and what is the pace that one moves from one to another?

Currently we are offering 4 classes:  Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Speed and Agility.

The pace moves along with the group, it may be a touch slow for some and a little fast for others.  But rushing from one skill to the next is not beneficial.

The benefits of really understanding and improving on lifts/movements will be more beneficial than worrying about which class you are in.  For most I would recommend at least repeating the beginner class 2-3 teams, same for the intermediate.

The advanced groups should really be reserved for those that are mostly juniors and seniors and trying to move to the next level.

Discover Sports Performance Classes at TSI

Should my athlete be working out year-round?

Yes.  Training should be a year-round endeavor for all of us.  Consistency is the number one thing that we can do to help ensure real progression in our Strength and Conditioning program.

For example, if your daughter/son came to baseball/softball practice for 3 weeks in February but did not come back until a game in June, you would expect their performance to be lower.

Strength and Conditioning is no different.