Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.  What training methods do you use with the athletes?  Why?

 

Here at Finish First Sports Performance, we use a multitude of performance training methods to help each athlete achieve his/her desired results.  We feel that in order to best train any athlete, we must be flexible in determining the best method relative to each specific athlete's needs (age, sport, time of year, strengths, weaknesses, imbalances, fitness levels, etc.).  To restrict ourselves to one sport training method would not produce optimal results for each athlete, especially as one progresses towards obtaining sport mastery.  As an athlete adapts to one specific method of training, either modifications need to be made to that method to continue to produce results, or another method must be utilized.  Again, since very athlete is unique, by having multiple training methods in our coaching arsenal we are able to assist each athlete in attaining better results.

 

2.  Are your coaches certified?  Do they have a college degree from an accredited four year university?  Why is this important?

 

Our coaches are either currently certified or are in the process of getting certified by a nationally recognized certification program for specialists in strength and conditioning and performance enhancement.  The two most widely recognized organizations for this are the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NAMS).  Both of these organizations offer specialized certifications in performance training for athletes.

 

Additionally, all of our coaches are required to have completed at least a bachelor's degree in an exercise related field.  This does not include degrees in Sport Management, which do not cover the scientific aspects of training and movement for sports.  From time to time, we also utilize the assistance of interns, who are current students executing a hands-on learning assignment for 12-16 weeks in exchange for college credit hours.  These interns are all completing degrees in exercise science or a related field (biomechanics, kinesiology, athletic training, exercise physiology, physical therapy).

 

It is important for a performance coach to have a specific background in exercise and performance SCIENCE to fully understand movement and the physiological systems and how they are utilized in exercise and sports.  This also allows the scientist to better sort through the countless BS articles and poorly done research that leads to misleading information in the fitness and performance industry.  Having a proper educational background also helps the coaches better design customized programs specific to each athlete and his/her needs, while helping to reduce injury risk.

 

3.  Are there any special or introductory offers available?

 

Although we do not offer any deals, we do have special introductory offers that allow you to try us out?on a full scale level?with all of our bells and whistles?without the burden of any future commitments. Please re-visit your membership intro sheets for more about these special offers.

 

We also offer specials for early commitments and reward our members for sending us referrals.

 

We do not, however, offer any special discount deals for certain people--If we did, it would be unfair and unethical.  We do, however, provide results, cutting edge customized programs, and great service.  If you would like to join the program, but currently do not have the necessary financial resources, ask about our payment plans.

 

4.  Do you have lockers and towel service?

 

We currently do not have lockers.  We have a restroom/changing room area and a place to store your personal belongings.  We do provide towels for use during your workout.

 

5.  Do I have to have a card to check-in?

 

We currently use a fingerprint reader for our check-in system.  Once you enroll in a program (become an active member), your fingerprint will be scanned.  All athletes will be required to schedule workout sessions using the online membership system.  Once you have your sessions scheduled through the online system, each sessions checkin will be linked with your fingerprint, which will be scanned when you arrive for your scheduled session.  You will be able to access the online system to track your visit and/or make payments.

 

6.  Do I need to bring cash to my workouts?

 

No, you do not need to bring cash?you can create an account with an automatic debit for any purchases you make at the facility, such as water, Gatorade, protein shakes, etc.  You can create your debit account when you purchase your membership.  The debit account can be created using cash, credit card, or check?and our membership system will track your remaining balance after each debited purchase.  This system is great because it eliminates the need to carry extra cash to your workouts!

 

7.  Do I have to commit to a regularly scheduled workout time?

 

Since our training facility is busiest during certain seasonal times of the year, it is recommended to commit to a schedule, preferably one that is as consistent as possible.  It is extremely important to schedule in advance using the online system.  This is the only way we can monitor and ensure that the facility does not become overcrowded.  Overcrowding becomes dangerous and less than optimal for an efficient workout.  If you do not schedule your workout and arrive to the facility during a time when it is already at capacity, you may be asked to leave and return at a later time.

 

8.  Can I change my workout time/scheduled session by phone?  By email?

 

Yes, you can change your workout time by phone.  If you do not reach a coach, leave a message and expect a return phone call if other times are available during that day.  You can also email us to let us know you need to change your scheduled workout time.  Again, we will contact you if other times are available during that day.  You can also make changes to your scheduled workout sessions online if it is more than 3 hours prior to your scheduled session.  Within 3 hours the system will not let you make any changes to your scheduled session.  Please understand that we cannot guarantee a same-day replacement time for your previously scheduled session.

 

9.  How do I bring a guest?

 

You can bring a guest to observe your workouts at any time.  The guest, however, must remain off the gym floor and in the entry area only.  If you would like a guest to join your workout, please speak with a Finish First Sports Performance coach.  We encourage anyone wishing to try our services to consider signing up for one of our risk-free introductory special offers.

 

10.  How do I make payments?

 

You may pay over the phone via credit card, or in person at the facility with cash, check, or credit card. 

 

11.  How long are the scheduled workouts?

 

The workouts are scheduled for one hour unless otherwise specified by a coach.

 

12.  Are there any exercises I should be doing at home on my off days?

 

As a result of your evaluation, you may be asked to do additional workouts at home (or another facility) on your off days.  These may include corrective exercise workouts, full performance workouts, or core workouts specific to your needs.  Any additional workouts given to you are required to be completed.  These are designed to help you progress at the rate necessary for attaining the specific goals you presented to us. 

 

13.  Are there family discounts?

 

Yes, we currently offer family discounts to members from the same family participating in the monthly guidance training programs and the training packages (sessions option).  The first family member enrolled will pay full price, and all additional family members at the same household will receive 50% off full price.

 

14.  How many days/wk do you recommend I train during my competitive season?

 

This would depend on the number of days/wk you have practice and how many and what days of the week you will be competing.  It also depends on how much playing time you get in each game/competition, and the results of your initial evaluation.  As a general rule, we recommend a minimum of 1 workout each week during the competitive season, and at least 3 workouts each week during the off-season.  Most athletes shoot for performing two workout sessions each week during the season.

 

15.  How often should I be training to see improvement?

 

This depends on several different factors.  If you are new to sports performance training, you may see improvement after just one workout.  If you are very experienced, then it may take a few weeks to start to notice any gains in your sport.  The key here is that in order to realize maximum performance gains, you need to be training on a year-round basis.  Too many athletes will lose everything they gained in the off-season by choosing not to workout during the competitive season.  The coaches at Finish First Sports Performance will adjust the in-season workouts accordingly to make sure there is no interference with game performance.  We make the necessary changes to optimize your talents.

 

16.  I noticed that you offer sports nutrition services and special nutrition programming for fitness and pageant competitions.  How does this work? 

 

Yes, we provide sports nutrition services as part of our unlimited monthly membership option, and our sessions packages membership option.  This is a basic service, in which we screen your daily nutrition habits and offer advice and suggestions of appropriate changes to make.  This service provides a quick educational layout of how to make some changes to your diet that would best suit your goals.

 

We also offer a more detailed sports nutrition service, through our sports performance team, for an additional cost.  This service is extremely detailed and provides you with sample meal plans, a healthy recipe book, a selection of home-made super shake ideas, snack idea, guidelines to follow to reach your goals, a workbook, and educational sessions meant to direct you on your path to optimal performance nutrition.  The specific direction that these sessions will go will depend on your specific goals, the demands of your sport, and to fit the needs of your lifestyle and workout schedule.  This program has a 100% success rate and is highly recommended to get the most out of your training.

 

We would like to add that all of our nutritional programming is done under the careful supervision of registered and licensed sports dietitians.  In the State of Pennsylvania, it is permissible to offer educational and dietary programs for healthy individuals.  Anyone with known issues that require medical attention must use the services of a licensed dietitian.  If you are not sure where you fit in this continuum, please ask us.  If you need professional help, we have an excellent dietitian on our performance and fitness team that we can refer you to.

 

17.  I have been using a private fitness gym, but noticed that many of the athletes are getting injured in their sport. What do you do to help decrease my risk of getting injured?

 

This is an excellent question.  First, let's address getting injured?Too often athletes are choosing to train at gyms or private training facilities that look great, are marketed well, and have a former athlete as the director?BUT UNFORTUNATLEY HAVE NO OTHER QUALIFICATIONS.  Do your homework, and research every facility and coach to make sure you are getting someone qualified in many different ways to be designing programs and spending time with your child (passed PA State Clearance).

 

Not only are we qualified, but we have been regarded as experts in our field, producing consistent results for over 10 years with over 10,000 athletes.

 

But we also take a very close look at each individual and his/her strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential movement imbalances and dysfunction that may increase his/her risk of getting injured.  We screen for these issues during the initial evaluation process and devise a program to help correct any detected issues as well as addressing the additional strength and conditioning needs of the athlete.

 

Additionally, we also spend extra time and effort ensuring each athlete learns the proper technique and mechanics of each prescribed movement.  We continue to coach athletes through the movements as they train and continue to re-assess and correct imbalances throughout the athlete's training career.

 

18.  I noticed there have been quite a few local gyms opening up that offer fitness classes taught by coaches.  I don't think these coaches have any special background in analyzing sports movements and needs.  How important is this?

 

Please refer to question #2. And be weary of facilities that focus on how hard their workouts are?anyone can design a hard workout.  It doesn't take any knowledge of movement or sports needs to do this.  In fact, you can probably find hard workouts in most major fitness magazines at your local newsstand.

 

High level sports performance coaches are educated (have a background) in analyzing sports movements and needs.  This is necessary to optimize any individualized program to help the athlete with his needs and his sport(s).

 

19.  My physical therapist also offers sports training programs that he designs.  Is this a good idea?

 

We highly recommend choosing a full-time strength and performance coach to design your sports training programs, not someone who does it part-time, or as a hobby.  Physical therapists are specialists in physical therapy, just as a chiropractor specializes in practicing chiropractic treatment, and a strength and performance coach specializes in training athletes.  You should use a physical therapist when you need specific physical therapy services, and a chiropractor when you need specific chiropractic services.

 

Find a full time performance coach that specializes in training athletes when you need specific sports performance training services.

 

20.  How do I schedule an initial evaluation or consultation?

 

You can call us toll free at 866-468-2231, or email us at admin@finishfirstsports.com.  You can also complete the Finish First Athlete form and we can contact you to provide more information.

 

21.  How do I schedule workout sessions online?

 

Below, you will find the correct way to schedule online. 

 

1.  Go to www.finishfirstsports.com

2.  Across the top navigation bar you will see MEMBER LOGIN?click on that.

3.  Scroll down the page and in the center, click on MEMBER LOGIN.

4.  A new window/screen should pop-up and on that window/screen click on ATHLETE.

5.  Since you are now a member of Finish First Sports Performance, use the top part of the login

      screen to enter.  Your first time login ID is: last name-first name, and your password is last

      name.  For example, if your name is John Smith, your login ID would be Smith-John, and

      your password would be Smith.  You will be prompted to change your password so that only

      you may know it?write it down and don't forget it?if you do forget it, you will be able to

      request a new temporary password.

6.  Once logged in, on the main screen you will see a box/button on the right titled ?REGISTER

      FOR CLASSES??click on this.

7.  A schedule will appear with available sessions.  You can select the session you'd like to enroll

      in by clicking on REGISTER.  If you are not permitted to register for a specific session, then

      the session may be closed (it is either already full, or you are trying to schedule your

      appointment within 3 hours of the desired session), or you may not have any sessions

      remaining on your workout package.

8.  You can register or change your scheduled time up to 3 hours before the session.  Any

      changes that need to be made within 3 hours of the session need to be made by calling

      Finish First Sports Performance at 866-468-2231.

 

When you arrive at the facility for your previously scheduled session, you will need to check-in by scanning your fingerprint.  Your fingerprint scan will be set up at your first visit.  Remember, all workout sessions are by appointment only.  If you do not schedule, you may be asked to leave and return at another time.  The facility is will be at maximum capacity for the summer so you will need to be scheduled prior to your arrival!

 

22.  I have a son who enrolled for training sessions at another gym last summer and the head trainer placed my son in a group that was coached by a high school kid.  I noticed that the kid was very nice and polite and friendly, but wasn't really paying attention to my son and he couldn't figure out why he was having difficulty with some of the exercises.  Will my son get attention at your gym from your certified, experienced coaches or will he be placed in a group and coached by a high school kid?

 

None of our training sessions are coached by high school athletes.  There is always at least one of our expert certified professionals working with athletes in the gym at any operating hour.  We pay detailed attention to each athlete and his/her training session to ensure safety and progress. Quite often, we have 2-4 certified professionals working with the athletes as each athlete works his/her way through his/her unique customized workout program.