Local Voices
BlackBench Fit Partners with Globally Renowned Mike Boyle to Offer New Youth Athletic Development Program
New BBF Academy’s goal is to help Loudoun County’s most promising athletes enter highest levels of amateur competition at peak performance and injury free
ASHBURN, Va. (March 11, 2014) -- BlackBench Fit (BBF), a lifestyle fitness and nutrition program located in Loudoun County, Va, today announced their designation as one of only 15 private facilities across the nation to be selected as a licensee of the Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning (MBSC) program.
Based in Boston, the MBSC program is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in the field of strength and conditioning and is regarded as one of the top programs for sports performance training in the U.S. MBSC has received the coveted award of being ranked the No. 1 Gym in America for the past two years by both Men's Health and Women's Health magazines.
Find out what's happening in Leesburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We started BlackBench Fit to address a demand which was not being filled in the market – accountability-based group health and fitness. We are entering the youth market with the same approach that has allowed us to thrive in the adult market, by identifying a need not being met by local offerings and aiming to offer the best training available in the country and some say, the world. The MBSC philosophy and their programming is setting the standard for what is considered ‘the new school’ way of developing young athletes,” said BBF co-owner Lisa Allen.
Boyle has made his mark on the industry over the past 30 years with an impressive following of professional athletes, from the U.S. Women’s Olympic soccer and ice hockey teams, to the Boston Bruins, Boston Breakers, New England Revolution, and most recently the Boston Red Sox.
Find out what's happening in Leesburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Unlike any other training available in Loudoun, the MBSC curriculum pairs athletes with specially-trained coaches who provide instruction using techniques Boyle employs at the professional and Olympic training level. Athletes move through workouts systematically and progressively, with instruction in movement training, injury reduction through foam rolling, linear and lateral speed development, foot speed and agility, explosive power development, proper weight training techniques and functional strength training.
“Mike Boyle’s program brings an innovative approach to training, working on a solid athletic foundation while staying focused on each athlete’s individual goals. We pursued this program over many others available in the market as it gives us ongoing access to the latest and greatest techniques, connection to a group of industry-leading professionals who can help us solve more complex problems and customize our training, and regular training to ensure our coaches are at the top of their game. Athletic development programs are only as good as the leaderships’ continuing education and programming. So many gyms simply offer a workout of the day with little attention to progression; these two significant differentiators will set our program apart.” said BBF co-owner Trish Drennan.
Drennan continued, “This is not a program that athletes and parents ‘check off’ as part of their child’s training programs, but rather an ongoing commitment designed to enable kids to peak at the appropriate time – late high school and into college. If we do our jobs, BBF Academy athletes will stand out amongst the competition and be delivered to their higher level coaches injury free, with well-rounded and strong bodies and with the necessary knowledge, leadership skills and work ethic required at the top levels of competition.”
The MBSC curriculum is adjusted for in-season and out-of-season athletes but ties an athlete’s overall progression to a long-term goal. Participant’s goals and objectives are identified upon entry into the program and are accompanied by a full functional assessment to identify specific areas of strength and weakness.
Beginning the week of March 10, BBF will offer a new seven-week soft launch of the Academy; 36 slots will be open for this initial session for ages 11-17. Enrollment is ongoing and athletes may begin after the March 10 start date.
For more information about BlackBench Fit and its new athletic development Academy, email info@blackbenchfit.com.
About BlackBench Fit
BlackBench Fit is a lifestyle fitness and nutrition program based in Ashburn, Va. BBF offers a holistic approach to better health for both adults and youth through its “sweat, nourish, commit” philosophy. Members participate in progressive, group workout sessions, receive regular nutrition support and commit to their goals with ongoing help from their trainers and the larger BBF community both inside and outside class.
Media Contact
Karen Graham
Hidden Creek Communications
