As you know from my last article on Ramirez, Astone Fitness is an Official Sponsor of Boxer Jose Ramirez for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Ramirez is currently ranked the Number 1 amateur boxer by USA boxing with 125 wins and 8 major titles under his belt.
I had the chance to have an interview with Ramirez’s trainer, Charles Tremblay about what goes into Jose’s training for the Olympics, and how he incorporates using The Human Trainer and Ripcords into his routine.
1. Tell us a bit about “a day in the life of Jose Ramirez.” Describe a typical training session.
Jose does his strength and conditioning training with me 3 days a week using my “ForceXP” Training System. We train Mon/Wed/Fri at 10am until we are done. This means we have completed our goals for that day. These goals change significantly through his training cycle. Training may last as little as 1 hour or as long as 1 hour 45 min. We are training with the philosophy that the workload as a whole is less important then the intensity of the work.
[Jose] has so much going on that we need his training to be very efficient, we have to integrate endurance, strength, speed, power, balance, coordination, mental focus and internal drive all into one workout. To accomplish this we use a lot of circuits of exercises, intervals within the circuit and/or individual exercises at times. Next, we implement the use of balance apparatuses and elastic bands (more so than weight). The result is his heart rate stays elevated, his entire body is working at the same time, he has progressive resistance forcing him to make explosive movements, and has to really dig deep to complete exercises in the circuit. We keep the pressure on and make him perform with maximum power while tired. I like to tell my trainee’s to” go to a happy place” because your gonna need it.
2. What is Jose’s diet like?
Jose burns so many calories a day that he needs to consume a fair amount of food. His diet gets stricter as a fight gets nearer. We try to have him eating clean year round staying away from processed foods and junk food of course. I make sure he gets quality protein and knows what good fats and carbs to consume.
3. How long have you been using the Human Trainer and Ripcords, and what results have you noticed in that time?
We began using the Human Trainer in March 2012. I am always looking to improve on training and researched all the suspended body weight-training systems out there. I chose The Human Trainer for it versatility and quality. We have been able to create more intense fast paced training while increasing the balance and coordination elements of his training as well.
4. In what ways do you use the Human Trainer and Ripcords?
Jose does a lot of different exercises with The Human Trainer. I love the fact that I can set up multiple handles and foot straps in different positions at the same time. This allows us to transition between exercises immediately and really push Jose. I have found ways to use elastic bands of various tensions to add in resistance to many of the exercises. When doing core work we love to add in balance apparatuses to increase the difficulty level. Jose does things few athletes could. An example is Jose might be doing Pikes but his hands are on a balance board (a round wooden top with just a ball attached to the bottom) this forces him to fight in all directions to stay in position increasing the intensity and incorporating the entire body to complete the exercise.
5. Where do you use the Human Trainer and Ripcords? Have you used it indoors and outdoors?
We use the Human Trainer in the weight room attached to a power cage. This gives us a lot of options for attaching bands for resistance. We have not used outside yet, but could be fun for sure.
6. How have you, or how could you, use the Human Trainer and Ripcords to reach your Olympic goals?
In order for Jose to beat the best in the world he has to prepare better then the rest. One key element is his strength and conditioning programs. The Human Trainer has become our most used tool. This equipment has truly made his training more efficient getting more out of the same time in the gym and that allows him to have more recovery time before his afternoon boxing training. I know that the Human Trainer has made a difference and when you see Jose Tweet how his work out was a killer, you know he believes it as well.
7. What have you told people about the Human Trainer?
Who would have thought you could get such a kick butt work out that actually builds muscle, increases strength, improves cardio and has almost endless variations to keep you from getting board with just these little straps. This forces you to use the whole body, stabilizer muscles and core all together. It is efficient and fun. Hey, I also manage a huge gym and sold fitness equipment in the past for thousands of dollars so I almost hate to say it, but for many people this equipment is all you need.
8. What would you say to someone considering getting a Human Trainer?
The Human Trainer is an awesome training tool. I wish I had discovered its value sooner. I am a former world champion power lifter and train top athletes including national champion power lifters. I actually have improved my own strength and power by implementing this technology. Suspended body weight training can truly make a huge difference. I have power lifters who would have laughed at it in the past, using it and after it kicks their butt’s saying wow I want one. To brag a little, I decided to experiment and use no weights just the Human Trainer and bands for 1 month and at almost 43 years old everyone is saying I am leaner and more muscular then ever…I’m sold!
9. What do you like most about the Human Trainer?
What I like most about the Human Trainer is the versatility. Two independent straps allows for various widths. Attachments can be placed up and down the length of the strap, and multiple attachments can be used in different positions at once. We can transition between exercises rapidly with out stopping. We can do a chest press, right to a pull up, right to a dip, right to a low row, alternating push/pull for example. I have not found this to be the case with all suspended body weight training equipment. Ramirez is not only a champ in the ring but in life as well.
Read: Proud to Be A Sponsor for Jose Ramirez in the 2012 Olympic Games to find out more.
To learn more about The Human Trainer CLICK HERE
Payments powered by:
