Happy New Year!
Sorry about the last week of not posting my blog. Between traveling and celebrating the holidays, and of course working on many new projects I fell behind.
I hope you spent some time over the past few months planning for the New Year. It's not like the new year is really that different from any other day- but it is a new beginning. It is a time frame that you can set goals for. Just like you might set new goals for the spring or summer, the changing of the year is a great time to make your personal, professional, social, spiritual, fitness, and many other goals a priority.
I personal have hired 2 separate business coaches to help me make changes in the different businesses that I run. I finally learned it is better to seek out people who successful in their field and learn from them rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. So when I set my goals to improve in certain areas of my business I included getting help as part of my action steps.
Some of my other goals, like personal, revolve spending more quality time with my Jenn, Jae, Bailee, and the soon arriving baby boy (we still have to call him Wonder Boy because we are all wondering what his name will be- come on Jenn, give him a name already!), And of course snickers my dog. As many of you know I have spent the past year and a half being away from my family for weeks and months at a time. That had to stop. I will be spending much more time with my family this year now that the Speed Academy is running smoothly and the systems are in place.
I have set many other goals in my personal, business, spiritual, and financial life. By setting these goals, giving a real strong "Why", and following an action plan I will achieve most of these goals by my deadlines. Even if I fall short I have accomplished a lot.
So do yourself a favor and start setting goals to achieve so much more out of life.
Professional Sports
Over the years professional sports have been taking some big negative hits. You've got the steroid issue, the extremely high contracts, the rookies that sit out for a bigger contract, the referee in basketball cheating, and on and on. I can understand when fans get upset, but I think there is another way to look at things.
I hear people saying I am not going to watch that sport any more because they are cheating, or getting paid too much or blah blah blah. I watch sports because I love the sport, watching the athletes perform, stratigies being played out, and exciting games. The fact that I don't like the high salaries (unless I was getting one of course), the drug use, the cheating and gambling doesn't change the fact that I like the entertainment. I love sports and want to watch it for that reason.
I think sometimes certain fans get too involved in things they shouldn't. I will never have control over who gets paid and how much, or if they a player decides to cheat. I want to see the game and great athletes. Now, if you are somehow financailly involved with a professional team than I can understand more. Any way, that is just my opinion on pro sports- love em for what they are- a business with good athletes.
My Personal Workouts
I hit a week or two where my workouts have been sporatic due to traveling and the holidays, but I am getting back in the groove of things lately.
I like to mix my workouts up a lot. Sometimes I will do Olympic Style lifts other times I will do more strength or power lifts, and yet again I will do body weight exercises. Well right now I am back into to doing my favorite body weight exercises. I love all kinds of pull ups, dips, push ups, lunges, steps ups, single leg squats and I love using Swiss balls, blaster straps (like gymnastics rings), DB's and Kettlebell exercises. I can get so creative and challenge my balance and stability yet gain great strength w/ simple exercises. When I do this type of training I feel the strongest in my joints. When I do heavier weights I get strong but I always seem to develop imbalances (aches and pains). I just wanted to share with you a little bit about my workout because I thought it might give you some ideas as well for your own workouts (You are working out arn't you)
Have a Save New Year and I wish you all the prosperity you can handle.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Another Year Older, But Still Quick as a Cat
You already know Bailee, my youngest daughter, had her 8Th birthday on the 18Th, well the 21st was my birthday. Yes, I am another year older but still feeling quick and agile. except for the other day when I was walking from my truck to the house an slipped on a patch of ice. I looked liked like it was my first day learning break dancing but had no rhythm- but I stayed on my feet!
Oh well, I turned 42 years young and really do still feel pretty young (Actually 42 is young. I don't like to hear people who are in their late 30's, 40's or 50's say "I'm getting old.", it is all how you perceive yourself- Don't think Old, think better) As most of you know in the profession of strength and conditioning, if you practice what you preach you can stay fit and healthy throughout your life.
I almost forgot. My Dog Snicker turned 3 on the December 6th as well. He was mad at me when he read the first post about Bailee and he didn't get mentioned. He is a big dog. He is a Golden Doodle mix (Stop laughing!) I know it's not as powerful sounding as a German Shepard, Husky, or a Pit Bull but he has really big feet and a deep voice. He is a good dog and is good to the girls so I think I will keep him.
Coaching youth basketball
I already mentioned that I am coaching my daughter Jae's basketball team at the local church. We have an early practice tomorrow and what I plan on doing for the second practice is introduce the triangle offense that the Chicago Bulls used to win 6 NBA championships with- Just kidding. What I really plan on doing is asking the girls some questions about defense and how they would guard an opponent. I want to know what they know. This will help me to know where to start. If the girls understand how to stand to guard their "man" with the ball then I can move along quicker and work on the technique of shuffling- so they can be quicker. I am also going to ask them some questions about where they should stand if their "man" doesn't have the ball. I want them to understand that defense is a team game and everyone needs to be aware of the ball and where it is and might be going.
I will do some fun games to help them understand these defensive concepts and then move on to some other skills like shooting, ball handling, and passing (I like to combine these skills as well because it helps the girls to adapt to the actual game better).
Now why would I do the defensive stuff first before the ball skills? Basically because I need their full attention and concentration during the most confusing part of practice- learning something new that is more detailed. If I waited until 10 minutes before the practice was over I would have a bunch of girls that are tired and not really focused. So by introducing the more detailed things at the beginning I can get better learning results.
Need to get moving along
I have several other projects I need to get done today to improve my business. I know I won't be doing much work on X-MASS day so I need to get ahead now, Plus I will be driving for 12 hours on the 26th to get back to NY for a couple weeks. So I am working real FAST today so those two days can be less stressful and much more enjoyable- especially spending X-MASS with my family.
Have a wonderful Holiday!
Yours in Speed,
Lee
Oh well, I turned 42 years young and really do still feel pretty young (Actually 42 is young. I don't like to hear people who are in their late 30's, 40's or 50's say "I'm getting old.", it is all how you perceive yourself- Don't think Old, think better) As most of you know in the profession of strength and conditioning, if you practice what you preach you can stay fit and healthy throughout your life.
I almost forgot. My Dog Snicker turned 3 on the December 6th as well. He was mad at me when he read the first post about Bailee and he didn't get mentioned. He is a big dog. He is a Golden Doodle mix (Stop laughing!) I know it's not as powerful sounding as a German Shepard, Husky, or a Pit Bull but he has really big feet and a deep voice. He is a good dog and is good to the girls so I think I will keep him.
Coaching youth basketball
I already mentioned that I am coaching my daughter Jae's basketball team at the local church. We have an early practice tomorrow and what I plan on doing for the second practice is introduce the triangle offense that the Chicago Bulls used to win 6 NBA championships with- Just kidding. What I really plan on doing is asking the girls some questions about defense and how they would guard an opponent. I want to know what they know. This will help me to know where to start. If the girls understand how to stand to guard their "man" with the ball then I can move along quicker and work on the technique of shuffling- so they can be quicker. I am also going to ask them some questions about where they should stand if their "man" doesn't have the ball. I want them to understand that defense is a team game and everyone needs to be aware of the ball and where it is and might be going.
I will do some fun games to help them understand these defensive concepts and then move on to some other skills like shooting, ball handling, and passing (I like to combine these skills as well because it helps the girls to adapt to the actual game better).
Now why would I do the defensive stuff first before the ball skills? Basically because I need their full attention and concentration during the most confusing part of practice- learning something new that is more detailed. If I waited until 10 minutes before the practice was over I would have a bunch of girls that are tired and not really focused. So by introducing the more detailed things at the beginning I can get better learning results.
Need to get moving along
I have several other projects I need to get done today to improve my business. I know I won't be doing much work on X-MASS day so I need to get ahead now, Plus I will be driving for 12 hours on the 26th to get back to NY for a couple weeks. So I am working real FAST today so those two days can be less stressful and much more enjoyable- especially spending X-MASS with my family.
Have a wonderful Holiday!
Yours in Speed,
Lee
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Day after the BIG DAY
I know you are all on the edge of your seats- so I won't keep you waiting any longer. Bailee's Birthday was a big success. She turned 8 without any glitches. Guess what the big gift was this year? I will give you a hint. Her father has a "Achy Breaky Heart." Did you guess it? it was HANNAH MONTANA STUFF. I am sure you all got that one right:) We even ate our dinner on Hannah's plates- Yessss! OK. you can all go about your daily routines now that you know Bailee's Big Day went just fine.
This Morning
My wife and I have our weekly call with our business coach. He has helped us so much it is unbelievable. He has helped us create a game plan to realize our goals- or at least get us working toward our goals.
I have always been a big fan of having a coach. I have hired coaches on and off, but never realized the benefits until now. The funny thing is I have been a coach of sports, athletic development, and business development for many people and just never realized the value of what I was doing because I loved doing.
The great thing about having a coach is that they see things in your that you can't see. You get too close to your stuff and it becomes difficult at times to be objective. There are so many coaches in your life if you just look around. Your parents, other family members, friends parents, teachers, high school and college coaches and the list goes on. Don't be afraid to get a coach- life gets easier when someone else helps you through life.
Lee Taft Speed Academy
The speed academy is primed for a great 2008. We have a new membership system in place that will be such a huge benefit to our members. I am excited to offer the new Gold Membership. It is basically a family membership in which the entire family gets use of many of the benefits packaged in the program.
Since I opened my first facility in 1994 I have always believed that I am not just training the athlete- I am taking on the entire family. That is why I have always had chairs right on the training surface for parents, grandparents, and friends to sit and watch. Many times during a workout I will sit with the parents, if Kyle or Jon are teaching a class, and talk to them so they can ask questions about what it going on with the training. This makes them apart of what their son or daughter is doing.
The New Gold Membership is a way for me to involve the entire family even more. They get to share in all the benefits that get sent to them monthly or when they are at the facility. More on the membership later...
Have to go now
Jenn and I have our coaching call in 10 minutes so I will get back with you tomorrow or the next day. I want to share with you some great speed techniques that will help your athletes performance.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
This Morning
My wife and I have our weekly call with our business coach. He has helped us so much it is unbelievable. He has helped us create a game plan to realize our goals- or at least get us working toward our goals.
I have always been a big fan of having a coach. I have hired coaches on and off, but never realized the benefits until now. The funny thing is I have been a coach of sports, athletic development, and business development for many people and just never realized the value of what I was doing because I loved doing.
The great thing about having a coach is that they see things in your that you can't see. You get too close to your stuff and it becomes difficult at times to be objective. There are so many coaches in your life if you just look around. Your parents, other family members, friends parents, teachers, high school and college coaches and the list goes on. Don't be afraid to get a coach- life gets easier when someone else helps you through life.
Lee Taft Speed Academy
The speed academy is primed for a great 2008. We have a new membership system in place that will be such a huge benefit to our members. I am excited to offer the new Gold Membership. It is basically a family membership in which the entire family gets use of many of the benefits packaged in the program.
Since I opened my first facility in 1994 I have always believed that I am not just training the athlete- I am taking on the entire family. That is why I have always had chairs right on the training surface for parents, grandparents, and friends to sit and watch. Many times during a workout I will sit with the parents, if Kyle or Jon are teaching a class, and talk to them so they can ask questions about what it going on with the training. This makes them apart of what their son or daughter is doing.
The New Gold Membership is a way for me to involve the entire family even more. They get to share in all the benefits that get sent to them monthly or when they are at the facility. More on the membership later...
Have to go now
Jenn and I have our coaching call in 10 minutes so I will get back with you tomorrow or the next day. I want to share with you some great speed techniques that will help your athletes performance.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Enjoying Precious Family Time
Hello,
Welcome to my first edition of my Blog!
Warning! You will find some huge grammer, spelling, and Plain old goof ups with my writing style. I write like I talk and that isn't so hot. So if you don't like how I right- Tough, Cuz I aint doin nothing ta fix it:)
The Family
As many of you know I have opened the Lee Taft Speed Academy in Northern, NY- Queensbury to be exact. But, my wife and I own a home in Indiana. Guess where my two girls, Jae and Bailee, go to school? Indiana! That's right. I have spent most of the last year and a half in NY running the speed academy while my precious family in living in IN. They did come and stay in NY for this past summer though. So, you can imagine how much travel I do to get back to spend quality time with my wife and girls.
Well, today is December 18th and I am back in Indiana with my family. This is a speical day because it is my daughter Bailee's 8th bithday. She is so excited and that makes me excited. Last night she kept bugging Jenn and I to open one gift before her birthday- no such luck though. You see, we have started a tradition, well I should say I started a tradition, of opening one gift on Christams Eve. Jenn needed some convincing by the girls to adopt this new tradition. But Bailee felt it would be a great tradition to start opening one gift the night before her birthday. Can't blame her for trying.
Those of you who know me pretty well know how much I hate being away from my family. Both Jae and Bailee played volleyball at the YMCA and i missed most of their games- that killed me! Then Jae had basketball season and I was only able to make 2 games- Ouch! But, I will be spending some long quality time with them starting in January 2008. I have actually signed up to coach both my daughters in their basketball leagues- YES!
There are a couple reason I can be home for a long stretch now. First, I have two great assistants that run the LTSA in NY. Kyle, who is the assistant director of the entire LTSA is a terrific worker. He is truly on top of his game and does such a great job training the athletes and handling all the details. Jon, who is my director of baseball training, my adult and youngsters training, and is also in charge of field rentals is a wonderful addition to the LTSA. Both of these gentlmen handle the academy so well. The second reason I am home for a long stretch, and this is the most important reason, is that my wife and I are expecting our third child, a little boy- will Jenn hopes it's little, the end of January. I am so excited I can hardly stand it.
Names for our son. If it was up to me we would have already chosen a name. I like Samuel, Samual Taft- I like it. We could call him Sam, Sammy, the Samster, "Stop it Sam", but of course my wife only thinks of the character "Sam I am"- so she doesn't like it. She has a name picked out but not totally sold yet. Plus I want to be able to pronounce the name she picked out well.
I love hearing what others think about names. Give me a shout at info@sportsspeedetc.com with a name you like.
Sports Speed, Etc.
What a great year we have planned at Sports Speed, Etc. Jenn and I and our staff have worked our fingers to the bone and will continue to so we can bring you better service, more great information, and outstanding products.
Some of the things that we have planned (stay tuned- You will be hearing more if you haven't already) will give you the chance to expand your knowlege and speed up your business growth and technical training of athletes.
Most of you have heard of the Athletic Speed Formula Seminar. It was a big success and I am so thankful to the participants and all the people that inquired and wanted to come but due to scheduling were unable to. We are going to have the Spring Athletic Speed Formula Seminar scheduled within the next week or so. Keep posted so you can register right off. I am only allowing so many participants due to the teaching and interaction aspect of the program.
If you are unable to travel to the Athletic Speed Formula Seminar I do have the Athletic Speed Formula in a Box. This is a great home study course that will allow you to learn and use my athletic skill techniques, coaching intervention system, progression system, warm up system, and so much more. Go to http://www.athleticspeedformula.com/ to learn more.
Lee Taft Speed Academy
If you are ever interested in coming and visiting us at the LTSA just let give us an email at info@LeeTaftSpeedAcademy.com . We have some great new things occuring in 2008.
Kyle, Jon, and I have developed our hour long training sessions to be extremely effective at accomplishing:
Welcome to my first edition of my Blog!
Warning! You will find some huge grammer, spelling, and Plain old goof ups with my writing style. I write like I talk and that isn't so hot. So if you don't like how I right- Tough, Cuz I aint doin nothing ta fix it:)
The Family
As many of you know I have opened the Lee Taft Speed Academy in Northern, NY- Queensbury to be exact. But, my wife and I own a home in Indiana. Guess where my two girls, Jae and Bailee, go to school? Indiana! That's right. I have spent most of the last year and a half in NY running the speed academy while my precious family in living in IN. They did come and stay in NY for this past summer though. So, you can imagine how much travel I do to get back to spend quality time with my wife and girls.
Well, today is December 18th and I am back in Indiana with my family. This is a speical day because it is my daughter Bailee's 8th bithday. She is so excited and that makes me excited. Last night she kept bugging Jenn and I to open one gift before her birthday- no such luck though. You see, we have started a tradition, well I should say I started a tradition, of opening one gift on Christams Eve. Jenn needed some convincing by the girls to adopt this new tradition. But Bailee felt it would be a great tradition to start opening one gift the night before her birthday. Can't blame her for trying.
Those of you who know me pretty well know how much I hate being away from my family. Both Jae and Bailee played volleyball at the YMCA and i missed most of their games- that killed me! Then Jae had basketball season and I was only able to make 2 games- Ouch! But, I will be spending some long quality time with them starting in January 2008. I have actually signed up to coach both my daughters in their basketball leagues- YES!
There are a couple reason I can be home for a long stretch now. First, I have two great assistants that run the LTSA in NY. Kyle, who is the assistant director of the entire LTSA is a terrific worker. He is truly on top of his game and does such a great job training the athletes and handling all the details. Jon, who is my director of baseball training, my adult and youngsters training, and is also in charge of field rentals is a wonderful addition to the LTSA. Both of these gentlmen handle the academy so well. The second reason I am home for a long stretch, and this is the most important reason, is that my wife and I are expecting our third child, a little boy- will Jenn hopes it's little, the end of January. I am so excited I can hardly stand it.
Names for our son. If it was up to me we would have already chosen a name. I like Samuel, Samual Taft- I like it. We could call him Sam, Sammy, the Samster, "Stop it Sam", but of course my wife only thinks of the character "Sam I am"- so she doesn't like it. She has a name picked out but not totally sold yet. Plus I want to be able to pronounce the name she picked out well.
I love hearing what others think about names. Give me a shout at info@sportsspeedetc.com with a name you like.
Sports Speed, Etc.
What a great year we have planned at Sports Speed, Etc. Jenn and I and our staff have worked our fingers to the bone and will continue to so we can bring you better service, more great information, and outstanding products.
Some of the things that we have planned (stay tuned- You will be hearing more if you haven't already) will give you the chance to expand your knowlege and speed up your business growth and technical training of athletes.
Most of you have heard of the Athletic Speed Formula Seminar. It was a big success and I am so thankful to the participants and all the people that inquired and wanted to come but due to scheduling were unable to. We are going to have the Spring Athletic Speed Formula Seminar scheduled within the next week or so. Keep posted so you can register right off. I am only allowing so many participants due to the teaching and interaction aspect of the program.
If you are unable to travel to the Athletic Speed Formula Seminar I do have the Athletic Speed Formula in a Box. This is a great home study course that will allow you to learn and use my athletic skill techniques, coaching intervention system, progression system, warm up system, and so much more. Go to http://www.athleticspeedformula.com/ to learn more.
Lee Taft Speed Academy
If you are ever interested in coming and visiting us at the LTSA just let give us an email at info@LeeTaftSpeedAcademy.com . We have some great new things occuring in 2008.
Kyle, Jon, and I have developed our hour long training sessions to be extremely effective at accomplishing:
- A complete warm up
- Stability and balance work
- Multi-directional speed techniques
- Power or specific speed endurance
- Strength training
The workouts alternate between different patterns of movement and skills. The athletes get a great chance to learn and improve each and every day.
GOTTA GO
I have truly enjoyed my first day of blogging, but I have to get ready to go to my daughter birthday party. We are having it at my wifes mom and dads house. I will let you know how Bailee's party went because I know you are dying to find out:-)
Yours in Speed
Lee
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