Since 2012, numerous articles published for STACK.com as a CSCS, semi-retired former YMCA Wellness Director, Massage Therapist, Strength Coach. Succasunna, New Jersey
Worked on 12 assignments, created 0, named on 12 bylines for STACK.
By Jim Carpentier + 1 other for STACK - 9 min read
Resistance Band Exercises for Busy Athletes
For busy high school or college athletes, getting to the weight room for in-season or off-season workouts is essential for peak sports conditioning. What does the student-athlete do if the gym is closed? Or when academics, practices, or games interfere with scheduling in school workouts? Well, there's a great Plan B: Buy some inexpensive portable and convenient resistance bands, and...
By Jim Carpentier + 1 other for STACK - 3 min read
Should Young Athletes Consume Taco Bell-Style Potatoes?
The common potato is back in the news again for those enjoying dining at Taco Bell. CNN Business Reporter Danielle Wiener-Bronne mentioned that Taco Bell brings back its favorite spuds due to popular demand. This includes Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes topped with nacho cheese and sour cream and Taco Bell Spicy Potato Tacos comprising fried potatoes, cheddar cheese, lettuce, etc., spicy...
By Jim Carpentier + 1 other for STACK - 6 min read
Why Full-Body Movements Are Your Key To Getting In Better Shape Fast
Finding time to train can be a challenge. During the school year; academics, sports practices, games, and family commitments can sometimes supersede gym workouts. But the truth is that no one is too busy to train. While you might not be able to spend hours in the gym on a daily basis, there are many time-efficient drills and exercises you...
By Jim Carpentier + 1 other for STACK - 5 min read
You Can Perform These "No Excuses" Exercises Anytime, Anywhere
Sports conditioning and fitness and health professionals hear many excuses why people skip exercise. They're too tired to train; no time to exercise; bad weather for traveling to the gym; too hot or too cold outside or inside; no nearby gym; weight room is closed or overcrowded; inaccessible machines; inadequate training space; the equipment is old or unclean—I could go...
By Jim Carpentier + 1 other for STACK - 5 min read
7 Safe and Effective Strength Training Exercises For Pre-Teen Athletes
A general consensus among health and fitness professionals is for pre-teen athletes to gradually ease into weight training by initially performing multi-joint bodyweight exercises (e.g. Wall Squats, Multidirectional Lunges, Step-Ups, Push-Ups, Pull-Ups or Inverted Rows) to safely strengthen their joints, tendons, bones, and muscles. Below are seven compound bodyweight exercises you can use as a safe, effective starting point for...
By Jim Carpentier + 1 other for STACK - 5 min read
Try These Challenging Cone Drills to Boost Your Speed and Agility
Comfortable spring temperatures are ideal for athletes to exercise in the great outdoors after spending the winter months training inside gyms. Besides reaping the healthful benefits of fresh air and the vitamin D we receive from direct sunlight (which strengthens the immune system and promotes muscle-building testosterone), the following intense outdoor cone drills will also provide that extra edge on...
By Jim Carpentier + 1 other for STACK - 5 min read
Four Old-School Exercises That Still Get Real Results
Stuck in a rut with your off-season or in-season conditioning program? The following workout comprising four old-school exercises can provide a refreshing yet challenging change. These workouts also happen to come from around the globe, as they are Bulgarian Split Squats, Russian Twists, Turkish Get-Ups, and Romanian Deadlifts. These go-to popular movements are tough but definitely worthwhile, delivering key sports...
By Jim Carpentier + 1 other for STACK - 6 min read
10 Functional Athlete Alternatives to the Barbell Bench Press
When your workout plan includes the Barbell Bench Press and time is limited, your patience can be tested when you walk in a gym to find every bench in use. It's a common scenario, especially in crowded gyms with athletes and non-athletes alike performing this ever-popular chest-building exercise. But fret no longer! This article provides 10 substitute exercises for the...
By Jim Carpentier + 1 other for STACK - 6 min read
These Chair-Based Exercises Can Transform Your Body Fast
Though chairs are mainly used for sitting, they can also be productively and creatively utilized for performing several fantastic exercises. When you can't get to the gym, a chair can be a convenient way to diversify the number of exercises you can perform. You can even perform chair-based exercises outdoors, such as in your own backyard or a local park,...
By Jim Carpentier + 1 other for STACK - 5 min read
Why Athletes Should Emphasize The Eccentric Half of Weight Training Movements
The word “negative” often implies pessimism and gloom. In the gym, however, performing “negatives” or eccentric reps yields positive sports performance-enhancing, muscle-building and injury-preventive results! Mark Coberley, Iowa State University’s Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, told Athletic Business that “eccentric exercise is being pushed quite a bit in both the strength and conditioning world and the sports medicine world...
