Frequently Asked Questions

I am an athlete in a sport other than a skating. Can you apply your methods to me and my sport?

Absolutely. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, as well as an elite athlete, I can develop a program for any sport and have trained not just skaters, but runners, skiers and cyclists. Rest assured, Valerio Training knows what it takes to compete at the top of your sport and can provide the expertise motivation needed to help you elevate your game. Please contact us to discuss customizing a program for you.

What is the best age to start training?

There is no magic age at which training can begin. Physiologically, even pre-adolescents can benefit from a program that includes strength, agility and speed training. However, when it is appropriate to start a program varies by individual. Usually, we find that teenagers who are serious about pursuing a high level of competition begin to show interest in supplemental training programs somewhere around 13-15 years old, but it's important that the individual shows the maturity and discipline to take on a program that he or she will have to strictly adhere to in order to get the desired results.

When is the best time of year to start a program?

Any time of year is a good time to start. Waiting until a specific point in your season just means that you'll be much further behind in your development. However, it is highly recommended that you begin your training for the next competitive season after a month of active recovery from the end of the prior season. The off-season is where most of your basic strength gains will occur and will give you the strength and stamina for the upcoming season, pre-season and tryouts, as well as further power, speed and agility development.

Where are you located? What if I can't get to you as many times a week as I need?

I train in the southern part of the Denver Metro area in the Denver Tech Center. I also can travel to your home within this area or other facility if the necessary room and equipment are available. For those living outside the metro area, there are several options including hybrid on-line and in-person program development. While one-on-one sessions are preferred by most clients to provide instant feedback, analysis and motivation, I understand that this is not possible for everyone. Please see the Training Programs section for more detail, or contact me via email or phone to discuss developing a customized program for you.

My child has shown interest in supplemental training, but I'm concerned about what qualifications and experience his or her trainer has working with youth.

I have experience working with individuals of all ages. As a former junior high and high school teacher, I have the necessary education and experience to deal with these age groups appropriately. As a certified coach, I have received training in different modes of motivation and applies those techniques as well. Additionally, I have completed and passed a criminal background check for your assurance.

I am an older athlete. Can you develop a program that will keep me competitive with younger athletes?

Yes. It is estimated that we lose 1-2% of our strength each year after age 30, regardless of what kind of training we do. However, we can develop a program that will mitigate strength and power loss for disciplines that require speed and power. A careful analysis your goals will help determine where to focus your training. You don't have to be one of those athlete's that "lose a step" in their later years of competition if you train correctly.

Do you train women or girls differently than men?

Yes and No. Women and girls can train at the same intensity as men, and are equally as strong given the same muscular area. The myth of the "weaker sex" has long been dismissed. However, there are trends with women that will be assessed at the beginning of each training program to ensure that the proper exercises are prescribed. Certain injuries are more common among women based on physiological traits and special attention is paid to balancing certain muscle groups as necessary.

My friend gave me a DVD of this great new fitness program that everyone is doing. Will this be a good addition to my training?

Many of these popular workouts can actually harm your performance in your sport. Rather than building workouts that are specific to your sporting needs, these workouts are made largely for weight loss and appearance — not performance. Inadequate recovery is a hallmark of many of these popular programs and can lead to overtraining, chronic fatigue and injury. Additionally, they usually focus more on building strength, rather than power or endurance that is required by most sports.

I've heard rave reviews about your training from my friends, but I'm not an athlete per se. Can you take your methods and apply them to someone who's main goals are weight loss and general fitness?

Of course! I've worked with all levels of "athletes" -- from the elite competitor to the weekend warrior to the beginner who just wants to get fit. As with all clients, I will taylor a program based on your specific need, goals and restraints. Let my extensive training in exercise science and psychology, practical experience and passion for fitness at any level go to work for you!