Welcome to Volume 5 of Community Chronicles, where we explore how members of the Beyond Power community are using VOLTRA I to push the boundaries of performance.
This edition takes us to Malta, where Urban Zone, led by Antheos Spiteri, combines tailored programs, innovative recovery techniques, and cutting-edge technology to keep his athletes in top shape.
At the core of their approach is VOLTRA I, a tool they've integrated seamlessly into their training to enhance strength, speed, agility, and rehabilitation. Let's take a closer look at some of the unique ways Urban Zone is using VOLTRA I to transform the way athletes train and recover.
How did you first come across Beyond Power and VOLTRA I?
Antheos Spiteri, facility owner and sports-specific trainer, is passionate about innovative training methodologies and sports technology.
We came across Beyond Power whilst researching on different resistance methods such as FRT (Flywheel Resistance Training) and PRT (Pneumatic Resistance Training). Our facility boasts the latest tech in FRT from Exerfly, however Antheos wanted to find a link on how he could be able to control the eccentric overloads at the athletes' own pace, rather than being controlled by fast low inertial plates, or slow high inertial plates.
In addition to that, a DRT (Digital Resistance Training) like VOLTRA I stands out, as it's compact, super versatile and has multiple training modes, even an Isokinetic Mode. A very versatile tool.
As a sports-specific facility, how does VOLTRA I help your clients improve speed, strength, and agility?
Our VOLTRA I setup aids in several factors with athletes across all fields. Some examples include:
Rotational strength and power. It is super smooth when it comes for rotational athletes to rotate powerfully and this can show how low inertial this system is, thus having minimal impact on joints.
Speed, agility, and dashes. The Damper Mode works perfectly with a resistance-cord for field or any court athletes that are working on resistive runs to get faster or more ballistic in their first few steps.
Rehab. The neglected Assist Mode, Resistance and Inverse Band Modes are more than essential to aid rehab with any injury. The assist mode shows how intelligent such system is as it immediately takes off some of the load as soon as it notices that the athlete is struggling.
Full muscular engagement. Emphasising the eccentric phase in most exercises can significantly enhance muscle growth—perhaps to an even greater degree than the concentric phase. Thus, the dedicated Chains and Eccentric Modes from VOLTRA I bridge a very important gap for our athletes.
We also love the Isokinetic Mode as it helps athletes submit their maximal power and load throughout the entire range of motion, engaging every muscle group.
How do VOLTRA I’s Isokinetic, Eccentric, and low inertia improve your training?
Thanks to the compactness of literally a 6kg system, which loads up to 90kg, all the above training technologies are available to us in the most versatile way. VOLTRA I was able to redefine our programs in versatility, regression in any difficulties and also help us progress step by step with our athletes.
Its low-inertia system enables implementation of new ballistic exercises that apart from feeling different from traditional weight training it also targets fast-twitch muscle fibres, which is essential for performance athletes.
Apart from that testing and evaluation in our programming, just got much better with its isokinetic mode, where we can check asymmetries and discrepancies from one muscle group to another.
Eccentric overloads were already implemented in our facility, via flywheel systems, however VOLTRA I bridges the gap in several sectors whilst programming. It lets the user control the eccentric phase at the dictated pace by our trainers. As a matter of fact our main focus in eccentrics are submaximal slow repetitions and supramaximal slow negatives.
This is also visible to trainers, thus we are able to know the exact value of overloaded weight, the athlete is controlling. Delving deeper into data collected from the Beyond+ app itself we can analyse how smoothly the eccentric part was controlled, via the gradient of the wave chart.
Why do greater loads boost strength and performance?
Greater loads stimulate neuromuscular activation, essential for mobility and strength. Eccentric overload exercises enhance muscle stretch and activation, creating long-lasting improvements in range of motion. Additionally, VOLTRA I’s low-inertia system enables functional training like resisted runs and arm swings, translating directly to sport-specific performance.
How have you or your clients benefited from VOLTRA I's Inverse Band mode and its unique resistance curve?
The Inverse Band Mode is perfect for creating explosive athletes by emphasizing the hardest part of a rep, such as the start of a squat or a bench press. This resistance curve allows us to train athletes for greater acceleration and power in stationary and dynamic movements.
How has the Strap Mount added versatility to VOLTRA I, and what are your favorite exercises with it?
It is the mount everyone wants in their facility! It has been a game-changer for versatility. With creative setups, we’ve transformed VOLTRA I into a ‘Low-Inertial Multi-Gym,’ saving space and cost while enhancing functionality. Our favorite? Banded ballistic unilateral leg extensions that combine low inertia with explosive training.
A quick shoutout to the Beyond Power community?
As owners of a sports specific facility, we passionately believe in functional movement and an athletic body, apart from gains you can get in a gym, VOLTRA I is truly an all-in-one system. It fulfils nearly all training methods, and the best part of it is, that everything is trackable via their awesome iOS app. Hopefully other users of VOLTRA I can resonate with what we've shared here!
In The Setup
VOLTRA I
Strap Mount
Sliding Rack Mount
Fixed Rack Mount
Rotator Add-on
Basic Handle
Heavy-Duty Resistance Cord
Mini Rack
Exerfly Flywheel Training Platform
Bodykore Smart Sled Pro
Achilles Elite Package
Adjustable Bench
Small steel stool
Several weight plates for counter balance on stool
Connecting carabiner to multi-gym
Hip belt
Markers
Sliding rods with screw
Squat harness
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!
Shoutout to Urban Zone for their dedication to advancing sports-specific training and recovery. We're proud to see VOLTRA I support their innovative approach. Check them out at urban-zone and follow them on Instagram @urban_zone.
