| When it comes to paddling Strong Chicks = Fast Chicks.
Te PD Fast Chicks program was born with the ultimate goal of improving the PD chicks upper body strength to see them get faster on the water. |
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When it comes to paddling Strong Chicks = Fast Chicks.
While paddling base, skills, technique, etc are all critical components what proves to be a differentiator of top women paddlers time and time again is strength. In addition to moving our own body weight we have to overcome the drag on the water created by our craft (DB, OC or SC).
A lot of guys have strength as a genetic gift. Most girls don’t.
So the PD Fast Chicks program kicked off in Jan-10 with the ultimate goal of improving the PD chicks upper body strength to see them get faster on the water.
The aims of the 6 week program were:
– for everyone to do 2 weights sessions each week;
– be accountable for and report on weekly results; and
– focus on personal improvement as means of collectively achieving the target total squad weight lifted each week for two key exercises (Lat pull-down and One arm dumbbell row)
So how did we go?
Excellent! 25 PD chicks started the 6 week program and most were able to achieve some fantastic strength improvements. As a squad, the PD Fast Chicks are now able to lift greater than 50% more weight in respect of the two key exercises!
In addition, the program provided great incentive to build in regular weights sessions as part of their weekly training and just as importantly, to encourage them to increase the weight lifted each week.
What’s next?
Part 2 of the program has just commenced with 22 PD chicks continuing on. Our aim for the next 4 weeks is to work towards building our upper body strength even more with the introduction of a new key exercise (assisted chins).
If other PD chicks wish to be involved with this program please see Linda.
