A new way to train is making its way into Southern Nazarene University’s athletic program as basketball students and coaches get the chance to experience CrossFit for the first time.
The program is designed to help athletes build strength, improve conditioning, and prepare for their upcoming seasons through high-intensity functional movements.
Just about a mile off of SNU’s campus, you will find Natalie Pulgini, a cross-fit trainer in a small gym full of equipment who is starting a new CrossFit program for the school that could change the way athletes train and perform.
You may be wondering: how did this new program even get brought to our school?
Well, as a basketball player here at SNU, I was skeptical about this whole CrossFit thing at first. But after a couple of weeks of training this way, I have completely changed my outlook on the way I train and treat my body, not only to be the best athlete I can be, but to make sure our team is ready for the season.
With this program being introduced to the basketball team, we now have a completely different way to build strength and conditioning.
“Since we are working in preseason, our main focus is strong conditioning, getting through some injuries that athletes might have acquired from last season, and lastly building confidence in your aerobic system,” Pulgini mentioned.
Beyond just offering a new routine, the program targets specific program goals.
“The absolute main goal for my players is to help strengthen them so that they are dealing with less, if [any], injuries during the actual season,” Pulgini asserted.
While injuries are bound to happen, she pushes us daily so we are as durable as possible on game day.
“CrossFit is different from your normal strength [and] conditioning because they have a lot more equipment, like 15 rowers, as well as bikes, which are very important in getting in shape,” she added.
For those who are curious about trying it out, Pulgini keeps the message simple: “ It’s all laid out for you, with individualized coaching and people that will motivate you, keeping track of your scores so that you can see change depending on what your goals are.”
While the CrossFit program was designed to help the players improve, adjusting to a new type of training was a different experience for coaches as well. Assistant Coach Josh Price shared how the players reacted when they were introduced to the new workouts: “I think that we have a great group of guys that can adjust to this tough transition.” He also added, “Our identity as a team is being tough, and tough players to tough things, and I want our guys to really take advantage of this opportunity.”
Price additionally emphasized that the benefits go beyond just lifting heavy weights.
“CrossFit is not only about getting stronger. The stretching aspect and being more mobile is what is really gonna help prevent our guys from getting injuries.”
Although CrossFit is a brand-new experience for our team, we are learning to embrace the challenge and push past our limits. As the program continues, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the team throughout the season.
If this season brings clear growth and results for our athletes, this program has a bright future; and we could soon see other SNU sports giving CrossFit a shot.
Photos by: Jayden Russotti