Washburn University's Kinesiology department is a dynamic hub of learning and innovation in the field of human movement and exercise science. With a commitment to excellence in education and research, the department offers a wide range of programs designed to prepare students for careers in exercise physiology, physical therapy, sports medicine, and other health-related professions. The dedicated faculty members bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the classroom, fostering a supportive learning environment where students can explore the intricacies of human movement, anatomy, and physiology. Whether through cutting-edge research projects or hands-on clinical experiences, Washburn University's Kinesiology department equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on individuals' health and well-being.
Train 4 The Game is a renowned training center with a rich legacy of excellence, spanning over two decades of operation in Austin, Texas. They bring together a team of coaches with an impressive total of over 120 years of combined coaching experience. This esteemed group has successfully trained over 800 professional and college athletes to reach the pinnacle of their performance and guided thousands of individuals in their journey to regain full mobility after minor and major injuries. Additionally, they've helped numerous clients achieve their goals in weight loss and strength gain. What sets Train 4 The Game apart is their team of coaches, all certified experts in Applied Functional Science, with bachelor's degrees in exercise science, and several holding master's degrees in exercise physiology. This level of expertise ensures that every client, ranging from age 9 to 92, receives personalized and top-tier training.
Train 4 The Game (T4TG) serves a broad spectrum of clients with varying age groups, injury histories, and objectives. BridgeAthletic allowed them to scale their business while still offering the personalized programming solutions their clients had become accustomed to.
Train 4 The Game provides small group sessions where each client has their own customized program. The client’s individualized program means that Bridge becomes the primary continuity tool to ensure they stay on track, and that the most recent updates are seamlessly visible the entire coaching team.
Since Bridge's technology enables T4TG's entire coaching staff to be fully-equipped to serve each and every client, clients are able to schedule whenever it is convenient for them. While this scheduling flexibility is of tremendous value to the client, it also allows T4TG to offer a blocked approach to scheduling coaches - keeping them fresh and ready to go!
It was crucial for the business to find a solution that could ensure consistent scheduling and program continuity for athletes.
T4TG was able to implement the BridgeAthletic platform and it's automation capabilities -- weight prescriptions, alternative exercises, and template programs -- to serve a wide audience while keep individualization intact.
By significantly reducing the mental energy coaches had to invest in each session, these automations allowed them to focus more on their clients and enhance the overall training experience.
The Bridge platform allows T4TG to manage a flexible roster of coaches with its centralized system for organizing training programs, coordination, and tracking progress. Having everything in one central place with easy visibility maintains consistency from session to session.
Since implementing BridgeAthletic and their own blocked scheduling system, T4TG saw less coach burnout by eliminating unpredictable working hours. This gives T4TG a competitive edge in an industry with notoriously high employee churn. Some estimates have the fitness industry trainer turnover rate as high as 80% annually.
Train 4 The Game experienced rapid growth, surpassing their initial expectations. They skillfully expanded their business and staff, outperforming the projected three-year timeline to achieve exceptional training efficiency. Their valuable advice to fellow coaches is crystal clear: BridgeAthletic has the power to elevate your current practices, making them even more efficient and impactful than you could ever imagine.
Train 4 The Game leveraged Bridge to construct and systematize their exercise library based on their unique terminology, effectively eradicating any confusion among their staff. By immersing themselves in the platform, new coaches were able to quickly master Train 4 The Game's exercise language.
BridgeAthletic not only enhanced training efficiency, but also fostered a culture of knowledge exchange among coaches. By documenting the expertise of their talented staff, the center empowered others to replicate and benefit from their success across the entire organization. This collaborative approach had a profound impact, elevating the overall performance of the team and facilitating rapid growth for the organization.
John is a Senior Lecturer of Kinesiology at Washburn University with expertise in teaching human movement including; anatomical kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise techniques, and corrective exercise approaches. He has additional experience in teaching Functional Movement Screening (FMS) and NASM Personal Training Certification courses. Prior to teaching, John’s career in Athletic Training spans over 20 years, where he has served as a Program Director as well as a nationally certified and state-licensed athletic trainer.
John boasts an impressive list of qualifications, including certification as a Corrective Exercise Specialist, Level-1 FMS certification, and recognition as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach. His contributions to the field have earned him esteemed honors, including induction into the Kansas Athletic Trainers' Society Hall of Fame, being named the Kansas Athletic Trainer of the Year on two occasions, and receiving the NATA National Service Award. Furthermore, his dedication to students has been acknowledged with the Carol Vogel Faculty Advisor of the Year award and recognition as a Student Retention All-Star.
Chris Braden, General Manager, brings extensive coaching experience to Train 4 The Game, having spent four years as the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Men’s Basketball at Texas Tech University, he's worked alongside legendary coaches like Bob Knight. His coaching journey began at the University of Texas at Austin, where he contributed to the football team's success, including two Rose Bowl victories and a BCS National Championship. With a Masters degree in Sports Science and Nutrition from The University of Texas and a Bachelor's degree in Human Nutrition from Texas A&M University, Chris's multi-disciplinary knowledge and coaching expertise make him a valuable asset to Train 4 The Game, helping athletes perform at their best and live with optimal vitality.