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LifeCare Rehabilitation
Services
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Sports
Acceleration
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Warroad skater
Tom Astrup works
on improving his
stride during a
recent Endless
Ice training
session at
LifeCare
Rehabilitation
Services in
Roseau. |
Aspiring young athletes
are celebrating a different sort of victory these days, one that may bring better performance in the upcoming sports season.
The cause for celebration is an impressive new Sports Acceleration program being enhanced by LifeCare Rehabilitation Services.
And no one could be more enthusiastic about it than Jessica Kuznia, Director of LifeCare Rehabilitation Services.
“We’re developing programs related to many kinds of sports plus specialized training for specific positions within those sports,” she says.
In addition to her current staff, Kuznia has enlisted the expertise of fitness specialist Tim Slukynsky and athletic trainer Jordan Dvorak to develop programs to improve agility, stamina, and muscle coordination.
Dvorak, who recently joined LifeCare, is an experienced gymnast and wrestler who turned her focus to a career in athletics.
She earned her degree in Athletic Training in her home state of Iowa and then earned her Masters degree in kinesiology at the University of North Dakota.
Slukynsky, who lives in Warroad, has brought his own list of athletic training and personal experience to LifeCare.
With a degree in Physical Education, Slukynsky has worked with sports acceleration training at all levels of hockey.
His experience includes being a member of the UND Fighting Sioux hockey team, as well as playing junior and professional hockey in Canada.
Together, they are ready to help athletes of all ages improve their game, Kuznia says.
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Jessica Kuznia |
A variety of sports acceleration training programs will be available year-round.
The programs will be broad enough to influence all athletes in their chosen sport.
Customized sessions can also be developed to enhance the abilities of specific athletes.
On the field
In addition to working with athletes to improve their skills outside of practice, Dvorak works with area schools during home football and basketball games.
She is working with students at area schools to conduct athletic evaluations.
The evaluations may include assessing injuries, recommending exercises, adjusting overall technique, and educating the athletes, she says.
“Some general education on biomechanics and technique can go a long way in preventing injuries,” Dvorak says.
Endless Ice
Included in the enhancement of LifeCare’s sports acceleration program is an exciting new piece of equipment known as Endless Ice.
LifeCare purchased the equipment this summer. It was installed in late August, and word spread immediately.
“I had students, coaches, and parents calling me at home the very first day to learn more about it,” Slukynsky
says. |
“Many of them couldn’t wait to get started.”
Resembling a large treadmill lined with thick white plastic strips, Endless Ice creates a continuous moving surface for skaters to develop their strength and skills.
Instead of running in place, they skate.
Good for all skaters, but ideal for hockey players, the equipment helps  improve stride mechanics, coordination, and muscle physiology.
“It’s really easy to use,” says Dvorak, loosening her laces after only her sixth workout on the equipment. “This shows you can start at any age.”
“The impact that Endless Ice will have on local hockey will be immeasurable,” Slukynsky says.
“Bantams, Peewees, high school, everyone wants to get a jump start on it.”
Kuznia says skaters from the area have already begun training through LifeCare’s sports acceleration.
“It’s also becoming a big draw for athletes from Canada,” Slukynsky says. “Anyone who enjoys skating can benefit from the new program.”
Athletic trainer Jordan Dvorak (left) and fitness specialist Tim Slukynsky take a closer look at the Endless Ice skating surface between workout sessions at LifeCare Rehabilitation Services in Roseau. |
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Athletes are encouraged to contact LifeCare Rehabilitation Services at (218) 463-4787 to sign up for their Endless Ice training sessions.
LifeCare fitness specialist Tim Slukynsky examines the tread-like surface of Endless Ice during the equipment installation last month.
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Students are encouraged to contact their coach or LifeCare Rehabilitation Services at (218) 463-4787 for more information about LifeCare’s new Sports Acceleration program.
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