Train Like a MLB Pro at CrossTown Fitness During the Cubs/Sox “Crosstown Classic”

June 13, 2017

We all want to learn how to hit like our favorite Major League Baseball players, but what about train like them? During the exciting Crosstown Classic Cubs/Sox Baseball Series in July, CrossTown Fitness will offer workout-fanatics a weeklong set of classes incorporating specific drills to become faster and stronger just like the pros.

ACE certified fitness instructor, and former collegiate athlete, Stephanie Rountree, has created a well-rounded training program that incorporates conditioning drills, strength, and stability exercises to get you in shape like an athlete.

1.     Single Leg Dead Lift:
Unilateral exercises are crucial in baseball training to fix potential muscle imbalances. Baseball players swing the bat from one direction, run around the bases in one direction, and plant the same foot when throwing the ball. The single leg dead lift is an excellent exercise to help develop strength/mobility/power the athlete needs for explosive movement in any situation.
Muscles engaged: erector spinae, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, quadriceps, abdominals, latissimus dorsi, trapezius.

2.     Plyo Push-ups:
Plyo push-ups are a preferred exercise over the bench press for baseball players due to the powerful and explosive movement involving the chest muscles, without the stress of heavy weight. This exercise will develop the proper explosiveness needed for powerful hitting. Try doing 5 sets of 8 reps!
Muscles engaged: deltoids, triceps, and pectoralis major

3.     Medicine Ball Rotational Slam:
In order to execute any skill required by a sport, a strong core is required! You can see the quick, and powerful movements baseball players use during pitching and batting. They rotate explosively through their hips and torso. Medicine ball rotational slams target the body’s ability to rotate, building upper body strength and rotational movement.
Muscles engaged: abs, obliques, low back extensors, hip flexors, and glutes

4.     Line Sprints:
The best way to prepare a baseball player for base running is to mimic that exact setting. Line sprints help athletes master their skills by starting from a dead stop position, and sprint as fast as possible through to the next line. Incorporate these into your workout, and you will develop the powerful speed of a professional baseball player!

Cubs and Sox enthusiasts are also invited to wear their team gear at CrossTown Fitness during “The Crosstown Classic” games. If their team scores on July 24 and 25 at the 1 and 2 p.m. classes (during the 1:20 p.m. game) or on July 26 and 27 at the 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. classes (during the 7:10 p.m. game) gym attendees will win free CTF coozies! Classes can be booked through CrossTown Fitness’ online scheduling center.

CrossTown Fitness
West Loop
1031 West Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60607
312-550-1063

Northside
3600 N Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60613
312-550-9923

www.crosstownfitness.com
ctf@crosstownfitness.com
@CTFchicago