Sports Performance Center can turn anyone into a 'better athlete'

STOW -- Many of the members of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field team trained at the Olympic camp in Colorado. But did you know you can get similar training in Stow, Ohio?

Akron General Medical Center opened its Sports Performance Center this year. Located in the Health and Wellness Center, it has the latest sports equipment to take a serious athlete to the next level.

Brittany Hotaling is a high jumper for the University of Louisville Track team. She's learning basic skills that break down her movements to one at a time.

"They actually break down your run to the point where they're telling you what muscle to use and why to use it," she said.

Amanda Haren is one of the Sports Performance coaches who put athletes through their paces.

"We teach you how to be faster, how to be more efficient how to use your body to the best of its ability," Haren said.

No matter the athlete or the sport, their movements are broken down into three phases: acceleration, max velocity and multi direction.

"There's different skills that you need for your sports that if you get better at those you can become a better athlete," Amanda said.

Brittany's sport requires speed and power, so her workouts often focus on Olympic weight lifting movements to build explosive power and a high speed treadmill that helps to improve her speed.

The facility even has an altitude room where endurance athletes can simulate working out in the mountains to help build their stamina.

Brittany's personal high jump record is five feet seven inches. She's hoping this training can launch her to a first place, five foot 10 inches. Anyone can go to the Sports Performance Center. They do not have to be members of LifeStyles or affiliated with Akron General. It's a self-pay program and does not require physician referral. Call 330-945-3150 for more information.