We're excited to kick off Volume 3 of Community Chronicles, where we showcase some of the most innovative VOLTRA I setups from our community.
This time, we're featuring Total Performance, a leading performance training facility based in Mt. Kisco, NY. Known for their commitment to developing athletes of all levels, Total Performance has built a dynamic and impactful setup that works seamlessly with our VOLTRA I machines.
How did you first come across VOLTRA I and Beyond Power?
We first came across VOLTRA I and Beyond Power through social media. As a performance facility, our feed is constantly flooded with exercise equipment, new training modalities, and innovations.
What immediately intrigued us about the Beyond Power device was its compact, space-saving design and the fact that it required no special mounting units. Keeping our gym space open and functional is critical for the athletes we train.
We had tried other products before, but they were often awkward to set up or inconsistent in their resistance profiles and programming capabilities. While it’s hard to pinpoint one single feature that sealed the deal, it was really the combination of features that convinced us.
Beyond Power is the only device we've seen that combines eccentric loading, assisted loading, isokinetic loading, and the ability to simulate variable resistance via band and chain setting—all in one device. Its versatility made it an easy decision for us.
Tell us about your facility's approach to performance and strength training. What are your core philosophies?
Our approach is rooted in building the "total athlete." Our primary focus is on youth to college-level athletes, as well as adults looking to improve their strength and power for day to day life. We emphasize a progressive overload approach with a strong focus on concentric muscular contraction being performed as explosively as possible by developing and optimizing the athlete's utilization of the stretch-shortening cycle.
A key philosophy of ours is variety without sacrificing intent. By consistently applying variable stressors, we keep athletes engaged and progressing while avoiding stale or monotonous protocols. Beyond Power plays a crucial role in our programs by providing real-time feedback on power and velocity outputs, allowing athletes to make immediate adjustments- with the ultimate goal of improving their ability to apply the intent behind each movement.
We believe that too many athletes and coaches get caught up in the minutiae of sets, reps, or periodization schemes. At the end of the day, the best programs are those that foster intent—driving purposeful, high-quality reps. This focus on intent improves training outcomes, minimizes wasted effort, and keeps athletes motivated.
How did VOLTRA I perform for you from setup through daily use, compared to other equipment you've worked with?
From setup to daily use, VOLTRA I fit seamlessly into our protocols. Athletes of all ages and skill levels quickly adapted to its basic functions, and it was humorously nicknamed the "best torture device" by some of our athletes.
When the update for isokinetic loading became available, it became a game-changer for our programs. I personally integrated this feature into all my athletes' training protocols. Having worked with flywheel devices in the past, I immediately preferred Beyond Power for its ease of use and versatility. Switching between settings, adjusting velocity profiles, and tailoring it to specific needs—whether for shoulder rehab, rotational power mechanics, or pre-movement potentiation—is incredibly intuitive and effective. It's now a cornerstone in our programming.
What are some common challenges you encounter in performance training and rehab work?
One major challenge is ensuring that athletes move with intent and quality while maintaining engagement over time. Many athletes struggle with consistency in their output, often underestimating the importance of purposeful effort in every rep.
Another challenge is accommodating a wide variety of needs within the same space. Whether working with athletes on rehabilitation, strength development, mobility, or sport-specific skill training, the variability in individual demands can make programming complex.
In what ways has VOLTRA I helped address these challenges, especially in areas like strength development, mobility, or recovery?
VOLTRA I has helped streamline many of these challenges. Its ability to provide immediate feedback fosters intent and consistency, as athletes can see and adjust their outputs in real time. The versatility of its settings allows us to address a wide range of needs without needing additional equipment or significant setup changes.
For strength development, the eccentric and isokinetic settings have been invaluable for building controlled, high-intensity efforts. In terms of mobility and recovery, the device's assistive features allow us to safely guide athletes through ranges of motion they might struggle with, providing a scalable way to improve joint health and mobility.
How does VOLTRA I elevate your programs overall? Are there particular exercises or movements where it excels?
VOLTRA I has elevated our programs by adding a layer of precision and adaptability that traditional equipment can’t match. Athletes stay more engaged and intentional when they can see immediate feedback on their performance.
Some of the standout applications include:
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Rotational Power Training: The device's adjustable resistance profiles have been transformative for improving rotational mechanics in athletes across sports.
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Potentiation Work: We often use it for pre-lift potentiation to prime athletes for their main movements.
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Rehabilitation: The ability to provide assisted or eccentric loading has allowed us to tailor rehab protocols in a way that accelerates recovery while maintaining quality of movement.
Overall, VOLTRA I has become an integral tool for driving intent, improving versatility, and keeping athletes progressing in a safe, effective, and engaging manner.
Any additional features, upgrades, or accessories you'd love to see next? Feel free to give a shout out to the VOLTRA I community!
We’d love to see a stronger eccentric setting added to the Isokinetic Mode, as it would be incredibly beneficial for advanced strength development and rehab protocols. Another accessory that would be a game-changer is a stationary platform specifically designed for lower body movements. While we’re aware of the moveable platform (which we currently don’t have), a stationary platform with a gap in the middle to securely fit the VOLTRA I—while keeping the height more appropriate for athletes—would be ideal.
Lastly, a feature that allows athletes to test maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) would be a fantastic addition. It would provide another layer of precision for assessing strength and setting personalized training benchmarks. Huge shout-out to the VOLTRA I community for continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of training technology!
In the Setup
Beyond Power
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VOLTRA I x3
Racks/Equipment
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Trap Bars x6
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Safety Squat Bars x3
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Landmine Attachments x9
Additional Extras
About Community Chronicles
Community Chronicles is a collection of stories and media from the Beyond Power community, designed to highlight bold and innovative ways in which our products are used. Periodically, editors will share setups, stories, or tips to better serve our growing community.
To get featured, share your content over on our Reddit, or contact us at support@beyond-power.com. We're always listening!
As a token of appreciation for being featured in Community Chronicles Vol. 3 by Beyond Power, we're sending Total Performance a perk package that includes VOLTRA I accessories for his contributions to the community.
Community Chronicles Vol. 3
by Beyond Power
