This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Epeefleche (talk | contribs) at 07:25, 30 July 2009. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 07:25, 30 July 2009 by Epeefleche (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) | This article contains promotional content. Please help improve it by removing promotional language and inappropriate external links, and by adding encyclopedic text written from a neutral point of view. (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Athletes' Performance Institute (API) is a private personalized performance training institute, described by MLB.com as "a high-tech fitness boot camp for professionals." Training programs can include aspects such as a nutrition program, massages, metabolic tests, cardiovascular work, drills, and aptitude and media training.
Personalized training centers are a relatively new concept. API was founded by Mark Verstegen, who holds a masters degree in Exercise Science and studied at Georgia Tech, in 1999. The Tempe, Arizona facility opened in 2001. In 2001 API began an NFL Combine preparation program for prospective NFL athletes, training them for the NFL Combine tests. Since its inception more than 25 first round picks were API athletes, including eight each in the 2005 and 2006 NFL Drafts.
In the spring of 2001 Sports Illustrated noted that Sandy Alomar had spent the prior December at API, he was noticeably stronger.
In 2002 Peter Gammons of ESPN noted that "prospect Carl Crawford is tearing it up in the Triple-A International League, showing far more power to go with his extraordinary speed after spending the winter working at . And when in August 2002 Wayne Gretzky, a managing partner with the Phoenix Coyotes, took part in the team's four-week session at the API that prompted unfounded rumours that he would return to competition.
And the Boston Globe and MLB.com reported that in Curt Schilling trained at API as well in 2003 and 2005.
In 2003, API opened a second facility in Carson, California, primarily for soccer, tennis, cycling, and track and field athletes. Its athletes have included Olympic gold medalists, MLS Cup champions, and major sport All Stars. In 2006, a third facility was opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, for basketball players. Nine of its athletes were first-round draft picks in the 2006 NBA Draft. In 2007 a fourth facility was added in Gulf Breeze, Florida, to focus on rehabilitative and performance services.
In January 2009 USA Today reported that Josh Hamilton was spending a month at the facility, where he was in bed by about 7:30 each night and headed to work out before 6 a.m.
Among athletes who have trained at API are Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Cody Ross, Josh Hamilton, Joe Saunders, Justin Morneau, Jason Bartlett, Eric Chavez, Brian Roberts, and Manny Ramirez,