Oklahoma State University Athletics
OSU Student Athletes Prepare For Their Upcoming Seasons
June 25, 1999 | General
Oklahoma State coaches present athletes with the opportunity to participate in one of several strengthening and conditioning programs.
"All summer workouts are voluntary," said strengthening and conditioning coach Dan Austin. "Once an athlete had indicated they would like to workout we provide them with a workout, then monitor them to see that they are keeping up with it," Austin said.
The workout programs are tailored to the different sports or positions that individual student athletes play.
"Once you go in to workout there is already a program written out for you," said senior defensive lineman Zach Warner, "the coaches help and push you to see that you are getting the full benefits of the workout."
Due to NCAA regulations no athlete can be required to participate in any type of workout program prior to August 3rd.
"The coaches strongly encourage that we participate in summer workouts, but it's a positive encouragement. By working out we reap our own benefits, and what we sacrifice this summer will be apparent during the season," said senior defensive back Adam Edwards.
"Those that work out during the summer are in better shape when the season starts. The ones that work out now are the ones that are going to be ready to play," Warner added.
Workout time generally varies depending on what type of workout an individual athlete has. "Conditioning workouts are generally an hour to an hour and a half long," said Coach Austin. "Strengthening workouts are also usually an hour to an hour and a half."
"I usually workout every day for about two to three hours. There are two segments to our workouts. There is a running, cardiovascular segment and a strengthening, power segment. I do both segments daily," said Edwards.
During the summer a major focus is on improving the athlete's flexibility. The goal is to get the athletes in the best possible shape during the summer. The workouts are intended to increase strength, speed, and explosiveness.
"Every three weeks we change up the exercises that the athletes are doing," said Coach Austin. "This is intended to shock the body and avoid staleness in the workout," he added.
The exercises that the athletes do during the summer are similar to those that they do during the season. However, during the season the workout programs are a little less intense than in the off-season.
About half of the athletes on the OSU football team usually participate in summer workouts. The number varies depending on how many student athletes are taking summer school classes.
"I push myself to work out because I don't want to be average," Edwards said, "Every day I want to see if I've gotten stronger than I was the last day. The workouts are about character, it starts within you. Someone can make you work out, but it's up to you to get the full effect out of it," Edwards added.
