Allow individuals and teams to fulfill their greatest potential through the process of learning a framework that will pay dividends for the rest of their lives.
The Athletic Tutor logo is derived from the alchemy symbol for gold. Alchemists were believed to have the ability to convert lead into gold, an element associated with physical, mental, and spiritual perfection. While it is impossible to transform lead into gold, it is possible to transform ourselves.
With knowledge and a systematic training process, the characteristics associated with gold can be attained. We can all practice alchemy when it comes to our physical, mental, and spiritual development.
PHILOSOPHY
“To solve a problem, you have to break it down into a series of questions. The answer gradually distill the answers you seek.”
~ Socrates
Tyler’s philosophy at the root is very simple, he believes strength and conditioning is a tool used to cause a specific physiological stress, driven from testing data that targets specific questions to understand specific physiological adaptations. A key ingredient for successful adaptations is to plan for proper recovery, allowing the desired adaptations to occur.
Tyler has been very fortunate to have worked with many elite athletes spanning over one hundred disciplines, allowing him to backtrack their path to success and this has taught him that the most important factor for positive adaptations, is first to understand the individual (strengths, weaknesses, injury history, mindset, personal approach to their craft, interests) then assess the demands of their goal/sport. Without this information, it becomes very difficult to motivate new consistent behaviors patterns, which is the lynchpin to ideal programming.
From his time with elite athletes he has learned that early specialization in sport works, the number one way to get better at something is to do it. However, Tyler believes it is wise to invest some time away from sport specific movement patterns especially during the developmental stages of young athletes to avoid long term overuse injuries he has seen in many elite level athletes. Investing in the “hardware”, physical body early on will create physical resilience allowing the “software” skillset to shine brighter as this investment should safeguard against lost time in the future due to injury. This investment will also allow for greater longevity and long term health that young athletes often do not think about.
BACKGROUND
After graduating from Boston College as a Division I lacrosse player, Tyler was a 12-time member of the US National Snowboard Team and competed in both the Torino and Vancouver Olympic Games. His racing career included 5 World Championships, 93 World Cups, and 115 European/NorAm/Continental Cup competitions. During his racing career, Tyler achieved 47 podium finishes.
In 2013, Tyler earned Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and USA Weightlifting certifications. After years of building a foundation from the athletes perspective, he gained practical coaching experience of over 10 years, between the Naval Tactical Athlete Program in Coronado CA, the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, and 8 of the 10 years managing the Red Bull High Performance Training Center in Santa Monica CA, working directly with 300+ elite national and international athletes spanning across 108 disciplines.
A quote from Abraham Lincoln typifies Tyler’s deep commitment to the process of preparation: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Tyler applies this method with all the athletes he coaches to best understand their needs, and ultimately help them with the process of reaching their greatest potential.
CERTIFICATIONS
CERTIFIED STRENGTH & CONDITIONING SPECIALIST
CPR/FIRST AID & AED
USA WEIGHT LIFTING LEVEL 1
WHY
As a student athlete in high school, Tyler searched for ways to unlock his athletic potential. With his mother as his trainer, timing him running around the neighborhood or using the latest training method such as platform sneakers that promised you could run faster, jump higher, Tyler’s efforts went unnoticed. It wasn’t until mid-football season that a starting role opened. He finally had a chance to prove himself. During his first game, Tyler’s hand was broken. Football had been cut short and there was the worry of lacrosse season also being in jeopardy. Tyler’s dream of following his older brother who was an all American, captained his team to a state championship, and went on to play Division 1 lacrosse was fading fast.
The adage, when a student is ready, the teacher appears came into play. Although Tyler was down and out, he agreed to consult with a private strength coach. Aside from family, this trainer had the biggest impact on Tyler’s life. His outlook focused not just on how much he could bench press, but on building a foundation that would send him beyond high school and college athletics with the physical and mental skills to succeed.
Just as things looked impossible, they became possible. Tyler attained his high school goal of lacrosse captain, was voted MVP and was recruited to play Division I lacrosse at Boston College. The strong foundation that was built through strength and conditioning, allowed Tyler to realize his dreams. He went on to realize his biggest dream, representing the United States of America in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics.
For Tyler, passing on the knowledge he has attained throughout his life will be his biggest achievement.