Tallmadge, Ohio – March 16, 2012 – March madness is almost here. And basketball fans everywhere are anxiously awaiting the tradition, the excitement, and the upsets that make up the annual NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament.

NZ Manufacturing, Inc., a leader in high-quality resistance training and physical rehabilitation equipment, shares in that excitement and is proud to have its TurfCordz® resistance tools utilized by professional and college athletes alike.

Why is resistance important for basketball players? Today’s fast-paced games require them to repeat multiple high-intensity activities with minimal rest periods. Players must be fast, agile and lean, and have excellent endurance and powers of recovery. In fact, a typical NCAA Division I player can complete the 40-yard speed test in just 5 seconds and jump more than 70 cm in the vertical jump test.

Resistance tools, like NZ Manufacturing TurfCordz®, help elite players train for that explosive power. These highly versatile tools can be used to strengthen many muscle groups, including arms, legs, back, chest and shoulders. And, depending on the number of repetitions and the amount of resistance, resistance products can contribute to endurance and overall basketball conditioning as well:

  • Explosive exercise
    Improves vertical jump, reaction time and foot speed
  • Upper body strengthening
    Expands range of shots and passes
  • Lower back stretching and strengthening
    Reduces risk of common joint and tendon injuries, as well as adds flexibility
  • Leg strengthening
    Increases vertical leaps, quickness and lateral movements
  • Core strength training
    Intensifies hip strength and stability, and overall balance
  • Agility training
    Ensures quick and powerful offensive moves

More specifically, resistance workouts can help point or shooting guards improve their ability to make fast breaks, as well as get open shots off the dribble. They can help forwards and centers strengthen low-post moves and offensive rebounding abilities, all while allowing the players to mimic basic game movements.

So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive, safe strength training routine, check out the NZ Manufacturing TurfCordz line. Products like the TurfCordz Jump Belt, which strengthens leg muscles to enhance a vertical leap, and its TurfCordz Modular Speed Belt, a two-person system for speed-assisted and resisted running exercises, offer excellent alternatives to basketball weight training. Suitable for all fitness levels, they can be as difficult or easy as you want and be modified for every age and ability group. In fact, resistance regimens are actually safer than playing the sport of basketball itself! For more information on these and other NZ Manufacturing products, please call 1-800-886-6621 or email [email protected]. NZ Manufacturing is based in Tallmadge, Ohio.

Please Note: Before beginning any exercise program, NZ Manufacturing always advises consulting with a physician.