Community Chronicles Vol. 6: Versatile Athlete

Welcome to Volume 6 of Community Chronicles, where we highlight how the Beyond Power community is using VOLTRA I to push athletic performance to the next level. This edition takes us to California, where The Versatile Athlete is redefining training with a focus on performance, recovery, and character building.

With VOLTRA I at the center of their programs, they're raising the bar on strength, speed, and injury prevention. Let's take a closer look at how they're lifting the game for their athletes.

How did you first come across VOLTRA I and Beyond Power?

I first learned about the VOLTRA I through an email from Beyond Power. They were contacting various companies to introduce the device, and I was eager to join a call with them. From the very first demonstration I saw, I knew I needed one in our facility. Often, when you encounter something that seems too good to be true, you anticipate it will fall short of your expectations. However, that was really not the case with the VOLTRA I. It consistently exceeded my expectations and has only improved since I first got it.

What motivated you to start The Versatile Athlete, and how does it reflect your training and performance improvement approach?

We founded The Versatile Athlete to create a supportive environment where athletes can develop physically and mentally, with a strong focus on character development and a passion for growth.

In sports performance training, we saw the need for a holistic approach that combines rehabilitation and performance training under one roof. The Versatile Athlete embodies this vision by offering structured programs that eliminate guesswork, allowing athletes to focus on their goals confidently. 

Our mission is to promote growth both on and off the field by instilling discipline, consistency, and passion in every athlete we train, while providing a diverse range of skills for their development. 

How does VOLTRA I fit into your training philosophy and the overall experience you provide at your gym?

The VOLTRA I perfectly aligns with our philosophy of creating dynamic and personalized training experiences. Its versatility allows us to push the boundaries with innovative exercises while maintaining a strong focus on safety and efficiency.

Whether we are using isokinetic training to enhance power output or employing eccentric overload to build resilience, the VOLTRA I seamlessly integrates into both performance enhancement and rehabilitation settings. This innovative equipment represents a transformative addition to our facility, providing the flexibility necessary to meet the unique needs of every athlete we train.

With the VOLTRA I, we can also offer personalized programs that promote optimal growth and recovery, setting a new standard for athletic training and rehabilitation.

How do your clients respond to using VOLTRA I? Are there any success stories or memorable moments you’d like to share?

The Strap Mount has revolutionized training beyond the gym and into sport-specific environments. Its portability allows us to attach it to fences, posts, or even trees, making it perfect for outdoor sprint work and change-of-direction drills. One of our go-to applications is resisted sprints with Damper Mode, in which athletes build explosive power by accelerating against the adjustable resistance. 

We have also used it for lateral resisted shuffles, simulating defensive movements in sports like basketball and soccer, and for reaction drills, where athletes respond to cues while under resistance. This versatility not only enhances the physical demands of these drills but also keeps the training engaging and more transferable to game-like situations. The portability and ease of setup have truly elevated our ability to deliver high-quality, field-specific training sessions.

What are your favourite ways to use VOLTRA I with clients, especially its isokinetic mode and eccentric overload features?

Force production and force absorption are two key areas we focus on with the VOLTRA I. The isokinetic mode and eccentric overload features are perfect for targeting these qualities. The isokinetic mode is invaluable for force production, as it allows athletes to push as hard as possible while the cord maintains a constant speed throughout the entire range of motion. This not only ensures consistent resistance but also provides feedback on their effort, making it a great tool for exercises like resisted sprints, rotational throws, and explosive lower-body movements like jump squats.

On the force absorption side, the eccentric overload feature is something you'll find in almost no other piece of gym equipment. It allows us to seamlessly add heavier resistance during the eccentric phase of lifts, challenging athletes to control the load as they decelerate. This has been particularly effective in exercises like eccentric split squats, Nordic curls, and Romanian deadlifts, where building strength in the lengthening phase is critical for injury prevention and resilience. 

By incorporating these features, we can tailor programs that maximize performance gains while addressing key athletic needs like power output and joint stability. It's a tool that truly elevates the level of training we provide.

What is the next big step for The Versatile Athlete and the athletes you train?

The next big step for The Versatile Athlete is expanding our impact by offering workshops and clinics focused on injury prevention, sport-specific performance, and advanced training techniques. We're also planning to introduce a membership program that includes access to performance testing tools like VOLTRA I, allowing athletes to track their progress in areas such as eccentric strength and power output.

Additionally, we aim to deepen our involvement in the local community by collaborating with schools and sports teams to provide tailored training solutions. Our vision is to become a hub for athletes looking to achieve peak performance, recover from injuries, and develop the discipline and skills necessary to succeed on and off the field.

If you could design the ultimate training session using VOLTRA I, what features or setups would you focus on to maximize results?