3 Great Things About Running My Own Gym
July 27, 2015 by danny · Leave a Comment
Starting up a business (in any field) can be very tough, time-consuming, and RISKY. Many small businesses fail within the first couple years of their start-up. The main reason being a lack of experience. So there is definitely a ton to consider before starting up a business, and it’s not for everyone. I could continue with some of what I’ve learned over the years about running a training facility/new business, and talk about all those risks as well as some of the stress that comes along with it.
But, I’m going to look at the positive today.
What I love About Having My Own Gym
1) Music
I get to pick the music I listen to when I workout. I really like hip-hop. I really like country. At times I’m in the mood for some rock. My lifting partner brings his I-Pod of songs that we put together and like to listen to when training. At any given moment you may hear Run-DMC, Tom Petty, and Blake Shelton, to name a few.
In the video below you’ll see what I mean. This was on a day when my training partner was out of town so I bounced around on Pandora between Eric Church, Jay-Z, Rolling Stones, and Beastie Boys radio. Much better than getting stuck at a commercial gym running the same loop of the same old songs over and over and over and over and over…
2) Equipment
Before opening my facility, I thought about all the equipment that I would want to use in my own training. As well as all the equipment that would put our members in the best position to reach their goals. There is still some pieces of equipment I want to add, but I have a pretty kick-ass set-up… Glute-Ham Developer, Safety-Squat Bar, Football Bar, Suspension Trainers, a Rig, etc. etc. It is great to have “variety with a purpose.” In other words, I do NOT throw new equipment into the space just to have more “stuff.” Every piece of equipment is there for a reason, and I get to be the mad-scientist making the choices! Pretty sweet!
The video below shows the Pandora music example I listed above, as well as some of the “specialty equipment” (along with some of the “regular” training essentials) I’m using during one of my recent training sessions.
In the first exercise I’m using a Football Bar performing the bench press. In video numero dos I’m using a Suspension Trainer while performing rows. In the third video good old Dumbbells for hammer curls, and finally a Barbell with a Hampton Thick Pad while doing hip thrusts in last video.
3) Basketball
I’ve watched, played and studied basketball all my life. Obviously the ability to shoot, handle the ball, and shoot off the dribble are huge components in the game of basketball. The skill-side anyway, as I could also mention athletic ability, toughness, size, “basketball-smarts,” strength, hustle, etc etc. But on the skill-side, shooting and dribbling make up a good portion of the game. The question is, what are the best drills/moves to help develop these skills? Well, this is where I get to be the mad-scientist again. I try to give the basketball players I work the best drills while teaching them a number of very effective moves that they can work on to help develop their game. I don’t take this lightly, and I’m also trying to improve. But yeah, it is pretty great to be able to give them my spin on this whole thing! A few examples below…
Bonus - I get to play/dribble/shoot whenever I feel like it, rain, sleet, or snow…
These days I don’t play a whole lot of basketball. But it is fun from time-to-time to work on my moves and get some shots up…
2014 Basketball and Training Videos
January 6, 2015 by danny · Leave a Comment
I hope everyone had a great New Year’s. I had a great time with family and friends and am ready to kick 2015 in the ass! This is usually about the time when I say, “it has been awhile since my last blogpost, but I promise to update it more frequently going forward.” But no. I’m not gonna give you any false promises. Between all the hours I spend training people in the weight room and giving basketball lessons and trying to keep up with 3-year old twins, no such promises will be made. But I did want to share with you some videos from the past year to officially close out 2014. I FINALLY took a bunch of videos that I recorded over the course of the year and got them up onto my computer. So, below you’ll see a bunch of what goes on inside our walls at MVP Training. These videos represent only a fraction of the time I spent working with people over the course of the year. However, I plan on breaking out the video camera more this year and sharing them here on my blog, on facebook, youtube, and on twitter. So if aren’t already a friend/follower/subscriber, just look up and to the right above “Recent Posts,” and let’s connect. Like I said, I know I won’t be posting as many blogposts/articles on here as I used to, but I plan on including more fitness and basketball videos, so be sure to check back for those. With that said, here we go…
The video below starts with the young guns and works up to the middle schoolers …
The Steph Curry Drill
July 30, 2014 by danny · Leave a Comment
My favorite player in the NBA is Steph Curry. Well, it’s close between him and D. Rose… but I haven’t seen Rose play in so long I can’t remember his game. 
Hopefully that changes real soon!
Anyway, when I saw him play in the NCAA Tourney while at Davidson a number of years ago, I couldn’t believe how easily he could get his shot off both off the catch and off the dribble… especially off the dribble.
And then I lived in the Bay area for number of years, and he just so-happened to get drafted by the Golden State Warriors. So I got to see the Steph Curry show first-hand.
As I elaborate in the video below, I’ve never seen ANYONE get the ball from the last dribble up into his shooting pocket and out of his hands as quickly as he does…
And then some of the players that train with me at my gym…
I can’t wait to see how much quicker with the ball the younger players in the above video get in the years to come. Assuming they continue to work on it… and they better!
So there’s the Steph Curry drill for you hoopers out there. Add it to the drills you perform to help you get your shot off quicker and with a more effective result. Remember to work hard AND work smart (get a lot of reps in before shooting).
More Videos, Pictures, and Thoughts from Inside MVP Training…
Here’s another quick update from inside MVP Training
In case you missed my post on Facebook (add me on FB if we’re not already friends as I put a lot of training, nutrition, and basketball posts there, throughout the week), I filmed the new Move of the Month for March… “The Kevin Durant” …
Me hip thrusting 425 pounds…
345 pounds is still the female hip thrust record at my gym. But there are some other females closing ground! We’ll see what the numbers bring over the spring/summer.
This video is at my previous facility…
I love training people (and myself) at the new (not so-new anymore) facility. But up until this past Saturday, I haven’t been able to enjoy one of the features that I’ve been really looking forward to using. And that’s rolling up the BIG garage door to really open up the place. It was great to finally do this! You can see Drew off to the left (see the orange med ball?) getting ready to perform some explosive medicine ball “stomps.”
Hopefully the weather continues to cooperate so that the door will be open more and more…
MVP Training "opened up"
Finally, tonight is the finals of the NCAA tourney. If Kentucky ends up winning it all, I don’t know if you’d call it the most impressive run in the history of the tournament.?. Or the best run. Or that they are the best team ever. But they are on the most exciting run ever. I can’t believe the finishes of their games!!! Each one has been a thriller, and I’m not even a UK fan. I can’t even imagine the roller coaster that Kentucky fans have been going through during these games!?! I’m sure my boy Jeff Rinaldi has already suffered about 8 near heart attacks! Hopefully tonight’s game will be just as exciting!
BIG shot after BIG shot!
Who do you think is going to pull it out?
Enjoy…
Basketball And Training Videos From Inside MVP Training…
February 4, 2014 by danny · Leave a Comment
Hello all. It has been awhile since I’ve given you a peek inside some of our training and basketball sessions at MVP Training. So I thought it would be a good time to do so again…
First up, I recorded my second installment of “The Move of the Month.” For January, I went with the reverse spin…
Next up is an athlete performing sumo deadlifts and another performing band resisted push-ups.
Ty’s push-ups are looking really good! And Madison is new to deadlifting so I am happy with her form. But as she gets more experienced I’ll continue to work on her form… she needs to get a little tighter in her set-up and stay tight throughout the entire set. But overall, nice work!
Next. Box Squats and Push-Ups.
Ryan is in 7th grade and I recently allowed him to “graduate” to barbell box squats after he showed me consistent great form with his goblet squats. He did a great job of nailing that set! And then we have Kaden in 5th grade performing push-ups. We almost have him down to the floor doing full range of motion push-ups. His form is good in the video but he is still extending his low back a bit much. So I won’t have him going any lower ’til he masters that flaw. But again, overall really good for a 5th grader!
Here’s me trying to practice what I preach. Trap Bar Deadlifts with Chains…
And finally, another basketball video of players from a wide range of ages (5th grade through 9th grade)…
So there you go, we’re building healthy, strong bodies in the weight room, and improving games on the court.
Gotta love it!
Have a great week…
2013: The Year That Was …
December 30, 2013 by danny · 2 Comments
Time for another year in review. 2013…
-I must admit, this year I slacked off a bit in regards to my blogging/articles. Getting everything all set for the new gym location took up much of my time. I’ll *try* to be a little more active with my writing this year. But here’s a good video and article from the past year for you to check out…
Are You Still Doing 3 Sets of 10 Reps?
3 Ways To Create Space Off The Dribble
-My babies started talking like crazy. Have continued to be very crazy. Poopy diapers have not slowed down. And their cuteness remains high…
Daxton & Capri having some fun
-A number of years back I set a goal of achieving 20 + chin-ups every year ’til I turn 50 years old. I test myself every year before New Year’s. I did this one a couple days ago, and here was the result…
-Derrick Rose hurt his knee again… season wasted for us Bulls fans.
-I took a bus into Milwaukee for a Cubs/Brewers game. One of my favorite things about being back in the Midwest is heading to Cubs games with friends!
-I went to the “new” Soldier Field for the first time in my life (I was already living out in California when the stadium was built). That was a great time and Da Bears won on a last second TD pass… Cutler to Bennett. But I’m going to QUICKLY change the subject because I’m still sick with how the season ended yesterday!!!!!
-I went from giving quite a few basketball lessons in 2012, to the point where I’m FLOODED with lessons all day, every day. It’s a lot of fun, and now that b-ball season is here, it has been great watching the news and/or reading the paper and/or seeing stats/articles/highlights with all these players that I’ve been working with. Seeing them succeed makes my feel good.
-We had some really impressive numbers put up in the gym throughout the year. For example, here’s Paityn Morris putting up 345 x 5 with hip thrusts…
-I started, “The Move of the Month” this past month. So stay tuned for a new move every month going forward. Up first, was the “Cross-over Step” …
-And finally, this marks the year that I put together my new facility. I’ve spent years and years thinking about exactly how I wanted to set up this place… from the training model (MVP Training), to the business model, to the equipment selection. Anyway, I love the way it has turned out, and I will keep working my butt off to make it better each and every day. Here’s a tour of the new space…
A good part of the reason it turned out so well, is due to the help that my Dad has given me in setting up the place. Unfortunately my handy-man skills didn’t improve much this year, so my Dad’s help was HYOOGE!
I’m sure I could have included a lot more into 2013’s happenings, but that would turn out to be way too long. So, I’ll leave it at what you see above.
I hope you all had a great 2013, and here’s to an awesome 2014! …
3 Ways To Create Space Off The Dribble
August 22, 2013 by danny · Leave a Comment
I just had an article published on iHoops.com. It’s a very important topic for those looking to get their own shot. A lot of people can stand and shoot. A number of people can finish with a monstrous dunk on the break. But not enough people work on getting separation from their defender. Add this tool and it will definitely take your game to the next level.
Read article here… 3 Ways To Create Space Off The Dribble
Steph creating space off the dribble.
Hopefully This Will Happen…
March 8, 2013 by danny · 4 Comments
Hopefully this will happen…
The weather will warm up and melt the snow REAL SOON HERE! I don’t want to see another snowflake until December (of 2021)!
Hopefully this will happen…
March Madness will be as exciting as ever with a bunch of buzzer beaters and upsets! Out of all the tournaments/playoffs in any sport, I like nothing more than March Madness. It’s simply the best!
Hopefully this will happen…
This off-season, basketball players will take my advice and put in more work on their skills, and spend less time playing games… less AAU games, less tournaments, less pick-up games; less showcases, less league games, etc etc. Now, I’m not against any of those options, I’m just against the “more is better” mindset. If you are to play 12 games in a week, and only get in a few minutes of skill work (working on your off-hand, your mid-range game, your jump shot, etc), then the balance is way out of whack. I’d LOVE to see a decrease in the amount of summer league games, and a huge increase in the amount of skill work for b-ballers!
Hopefully this will happen…
This summer people won’t be so scared of the sun. The more is better mindset that I mentioned above is one problem. But the “less is better” mindset can be equally as troubling! Sun is good for us in the right doses. Yeah, laying out at the beach from 10-4 every day is probably not the best idea. But neither is putting on sunblock just to walk to the mailbox to pick up the newspaper. Once again, find a balance.
Hopefully this will happen…
I’ll get to use our hot tub! We’ve been in our new house for going on 5 months and I haven’t hopped in there once yet. Time for me to find some relaxation time. ’Nuf said.
Hopefully this will happen…
My first (green) beer on St. Paddy’s will taste as good as I’m envisioning. I haven’t had a drop of alcohol since the Superbowl (February 3rd) and I’m looking forward to that first GULP next weekend.
Hopefully this will happen…
Everyone reading this will TRULY make a conscious effort to sit less. It’s hard to make your body feel better and reduce those small aches and pains (that often turn into bigger problems down the line) when you’re on your ass the majority of the day. FIND A WAY TO MOVE MORE! Me included!
Alright, I’m glad I was able to get all of that off my chest. I feel better now!
Have a great, safe, productive weekend…
Q and A: “Is Circuit Training The Best Way To Get In Shape?”
February 19, 2013 by danny · 2 Comments
I received a question from one of my facebook friends the other day asking, “Is circuit training the best way to get in shape?” Of course, like all things training/nutrition related, I had to ask him to get a little more specific to be able to better help him out. The gist of what he was looking for was to find out if to “get in shape” is circuit training best when weight training and when performing cardio? Still pretty vague because there are so many factors that come into play. But here is what my answer was…
“Depends on the goals, the training history of the individual, etc. I know that is vague. But the answer is almost always, “it depends.” If it is an athlete, in GENERAL, I don’t think it is the best way. For example, the best way to get in shape for basketball is to play basketball (the SAID principle – Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands). And in the weight room, athletes should use weights to get stronger, which requires a bit of rest between sets, as opposed to a fast paced circuit.”
So, I thought I’d use the rest of this blogpost to delve a little deeper into my thoughts…
-For sports, as mentioned above, you must play the sport to get in great shape for your sport. You can do all the sprints, stadium stairs, 400 meter runs, swimming, etc. etc., but if you just stepped onto the basketball court (or soccer field, or football field, or wrestling mat, etc etc) for the first time in weeks/months, and tried to play 35 minutes of real game action, all I can say is, GOOD LUCK! 
Now, with the above said, I’m NOT saying that you can’t do any conditioning type work other than JUST playing the sport. What I AM saying, is that you must follow that S.A.I.D. principle that I mentioned above and play the sport to get in great shape for your sport. Outside of directly playing your sport, once again the conditioning plan depends on the needs of the sport and position of said sport. But in general, you can include things like… .
…HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) where you go ALL OUT for a short period of time and then rest. Work to rest ratios can vary, but here are some examples – 20 seconds “on” (all out) followed by 40 seconds “off” (rest) x 10-15 sets. This can be sprints, hill sprints, bike sprints, etc. You CAN do CIRCUIT TRAINING (i.e. 20 seconds of jump rope, then rest 40 seconds followed by 20 seconds of battling ropes, then rest 40 seconds. Followed by 20 seconds of jump squats, rest 40 seconds, etc. etc.).
So circuit training can be a part of the overall plan. But in my opinion should not make up the majority of the conditioning plan (once again, because of the S.A.I.D. principle).
…Tempo Running – run at about 75% max for 75-100 yards and rest 45-60 seconds between reps. Here is what a tempo run should feel like… Fast enough to get the heart going, and slow enough to not hit the lactate system and interfere with power development. For most sports, to bring up your aerobic system you don’t want to go out and run a long distance (i.e. a 5-mile run or whatever). Yes, this will benefit your aerobic system, but will not help (and can actually interfere) with power development (i.e. running faster, jumping higher). Tempo runs are a great way “around” this… you can still bring up your aerobic system without losing out on the potential power gains you get in the weight room.
So, for sport, play the sport and if you still feel the need to add in some extra conditioning, keep HIIT and tempo training in mind. As far as how often you should be adding in conditioning work, that’s impossible for me to say without knowing the situation. I will say this however, I believe that far too many people start worrying about conditioning too soon in the off-season. For more of what I am talking about, check out this youtube video I did on this subject as it relates to basketball players…
Changing Gears To The Person With Fat Loss As Their Main Goal…
I’ll stop here for now, and touch on circuit training for the non-athlete tomorrow. See you then…
Are you a coach or an athlete? If so, share this to help make sure you and others are optimizing your potential and preparing for greatness…
MVP Training Logo Is In…
February 7, 2013 by danny · Leave a Comment
Well, let me first announce that I officially have my business name for the gym… “MVP Training.” M.V.P. is an acronym and to find out what it stands for and what training at my facility is all about, check this out… MVP Training.
My logo and sign for the gym is up! My friend, Chris Luttig, did a great job! He’s awesome at what he does and once again, he didn’t disappoint! So, thanks Chris! I should also thank Mandy Becker who helped me come up with the name to the gym… thanks, Mandy! And finally, I’d like to thank Amy Morris as she helped me find the right words to fit the MVP acronym. That V had me stumped for awhile. So thanks, Amy!
Anyway, check out the logo below and let me know if you like it as much as I do…
And here is what it looks like up on the building on this snowing day…
From across the street.
And up close…
