Kaylee Gittleson ran hurdles for Ann Arbor Pioneer High School. Their team won three out of four Division I State Championships during her four years. She went to college at the University of Michigan. Kaylee was told by her dad to write about training from her perspective on the Rogers Blog.
FROM THE COACH'S DAUGHTER
Growing up in a home with 40 exercise machines and a father that was a Strength and Conditioning Coach for the University of Michigan, I was always 'required' to lift weights and when I did, train my entire body. As a young women running track, instructed to train my grip just didn't make any sense as the only time I used my hands was when I got in my sprinter stance or handed off a 50 gram baton during a relay.
My father explained by having stronger hands during my weight training sessions I could handle more weight each workout and that would change the strength of my limbs used in running----also if I didn't do grip work I would not be allowed to have supper.
After college I moved to Utah and got involved in a sport that had many "hurdles', that is, the sport of rock climbing. I quickly found that having a powerful grip was everything he said and more. When your hands are strong you are able to do amazing things with your body and your overall strength and confidence accelerates.
Now when I return home to Ann Arbor and see my dad struggling in the kitchen to open a jar I quickly say, "Let me get that for you old man." and of course remind him to Get his hands Strong and that he should be training the entire system.
Train all of the musculature of your hands by using the Pendulum Grip Cart