Working Smart To Achieve Your Goals

Team Conditioning Systems:
Working Smart To Achieve Your Goals
Thursday, June 14, 2001

By Art Redd Jr.
SJSports Staff Writer

Of course there are days when you just don't want to get out of bed. Let's take that issue one step further. There are also days when you want to get out there and make time to get some exercise and get into shape. Well if you are looking for that edge to keep you moving in the right direction, seek out a strength and conditioning coach. That's right a strength and conditioning coach.

Finally we are having seasonable weather that could get everyone in the mood for summer activities. But when you take a look at yourself, notice you could lose a few pounds. Or better yet, you want to make sure you are ready to compete in that event you want to participate. Gregory "Graig" White can help you obtain your goals if you are ready for the challenge. "Athletes come and go, but if I can help people get a better understanding, then the impact they make on society will be that much greater," mentioned Mr. White.

Everyone who has decided to participate in Gregory White's programs has come away with a new experience and respect for conditioning of the body. It's not easy, sometimes, to obtain the goals you set for yourself. "Agility, quickness and being in the best possible shape you can be are needed for success in basketball. Workout with Graig and you will see your skills improve", said Reggie Welch of the Atlantic City Seagulls (United States Basketball League).

"We don't work hard, we work smart. I think that people who work hard tend to miss certain opportunities. By working smart we tend to create chances for ourselves. By having a plan, life gets a little easier. Julius Erving once told me, if you don't know where you are going, any road can get you there. Also this thing is about fun. I often tell my athletes that if someone treated me like I was treating them there could be problems. But it all goes back to the trust issue. My people understand that I ALWAYS have the best interest at heart."

The confusion that some people seem to have is the difference between an athletic trainer and a strength and conditioning coach. The difference between is that an athletic trainer deals with athletes that are injured. They help with the rehab and making sure that an injured is fully recovered before they step back on to the field or court. A conditioning coach makes sure that the athlete is as injury resistant as possible. They work to make sure that the athlete is operating at peak efficiency whenever they step on to the field of play.

Hanging around with some of the athletes that participate with Team Conditioning Systems (TCS), you noticed their determination in completing their routines that Mr. White had established. The relationship between coach and athlete has an open door policy which creates an atmosphere of being in a fun workout class. Questions do pop up, and that's when Mr. White makes sure he's there to give you those answers. "I think the athletes have helped me more than I have helped them. These people trust me to help them get to a level where they can compete. I get to try new concepts on a willing group of Human Test Subjects. What more could you ask for?"

"I like the simple things, a great game, some great music, great people to exchange ideas with and I am a happy guy. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care," said Mr. White as he continues putting athletes through a few workout drills. Graig has been helping athletes since 1990 and he has been enjoying himself ever since that day. When asked if he could remember the first person that he had an immediate impact with, he responded with a smile. "That person would be my cousin Lamont Lloyd. He was getting ready to play ball in college. I couldn't stand by and watch him workout by himself so I hung out with him, lifted with him and watched him go on and compete on the college level."

This high energy strength and conditioning coach has a host of people supporting him which starts from his family, parents, sister, brothers, friends, athletes, and people who have help me create concepts to success after they have told him no. By working out of Camden NJ, one would think the location would hurt his business. When asked about that, Graig was eager to respond.

"That is a good question!! It's a little of both. There isn't a lot of money in the city, but there are plenty of opportunities. It's just disguised as hard work. Being a product of the city, I feel I can relate to needs of the people here. And don't get me wrong. I have tons of support from Rutgers, The City Rec Program, the Boys and Girls Club (working on a deal) that is being built, and the Riversharks. Also being this close to Philly doesn't hurt. I've had athletes come from as far a Canada to train with me. So Camden is on the map as a place where athletes can come and Get right".

"The bad is athletes and their parents who don't know what we are about, not giving us the chance to show that we are just as good as some of the other training systems out there. Our facility is getting better and pretty soon we will have the best training facility in South Jersey. Bet on that."

If you would like to get more information on Gregory White's programs, you can visit his web site at www.teamconditioning.com. The web site gives the guest a better understanding of what's happening with the athletes and other things the program provides. You can also contact Rutgers 856-225-6197 or send email through the site.

Photos by Art Redd

Do you have a fitness or conditioning question for Graig? Send it to gwhite@teamconditioning.com. If your question is used in an article, you will receive a free Team Conditioning Systems t-shirt.

For previous Winning Ways, visit Graig's Archives