“As a professor emeritus of biomechanics and kinesiology, I’ve always been interested in human movement, and in particular, how it related to athletes. I started working with athletes in the 70s while I was teaching at California State University Fullerton, and in the late 80s, I decided to open my own sports training company.
Because I focus on the biomechanics and kinesiology of human movement, I’m able to work with any kind of athlete. I create a specialized technique analysis for each individual. For example, after watching a video of an athlete engaged in his or her sport, I can analyze movements and look for ways to increase effectiveness and efficiency. Then, I develop exercises that require the same speed, motions and neuromuscular pathways to accurately duplicate the movement (skill technique) the athlete needs to execute during that sport.
This training isn’t about how strong you can get in a gym. It’s about how much better you get on the field. The exercises have to be specialized and tailored to that particular athlete, and they require the right kind of equipment. I created the design for Active Cords to use with these specific exercises and collaborated with NZ Manufacturing to develop them. With these cords, I can duplicate the movements the athlete needs. I can’t do that with dumbbells or anything else in a gym. I need equipment that generates resistance and allows me to use it in different ways.
Initially, athletes might use the lightest resistance levels to train. As they grow stronger, they move through the resistances. Some even get to the highest resistances, which are the blue and black levels. The cords can be used in various combinations because they easily snap on and off, allowing me to get the exact resistance I want for an athlete. There’s nothing else like this in the market. It makes workouts quicker, more specific and more effective.
We’ve been working with NZ for nearly thirty years, nearly as long as my company has been in business. Over the years, NZ has modified the Active Cords to accommodate my specific needs. The products work well and stand up to serious training. Regardless of what the resistance level is, these athletes are pushing the cords to the limit, and the cords hold up extremely well.”
Editor’s Note: Dr. Yessis is the president of Sports Training. He is a professor emeritus of biomechanics and kinesiology at California State University.
