The Baseball Performance Edge Program is a must for any player

Peninsula Little Leaguers are lucky that they get to play baseball year round thanks to great weather. But they are even more fortunate to have a local training program to help them physically sustain such a long season. The Baseball Performance Edge Program was created by Brien Shamp, owner of Optimal Fitness Lifestyle Center in San Carlos and is offered to players ages 8 and up.

Shamp played baseball from when he was 8 until he graduated with a degree in Biomechanics from UC Davis. He earned himself the nickname "Ice" because of the constant injuries he suffered from the sport.

"If I wasn't on the field or in the gym, I was in physical therapy," he explained.

"What's interesting is that professional baseball players are told to take three months off, but young athletes play baseball year round. It's a great concept and would make sense if athletes didn't increase the likelihood of injuries. It's not the case with the majority of baseball players though--especially pitchers. If you want to play the game, you have to be in shape to withstand the pressures of it."

"Any player who wants to get an edge on their game will want to be a part of this program because baseball has become so sport specific," said Doug Williams, head coach of 15 years for the College of San Mateo's baseball team.

"Brien's been with us for eight years as our baseball-specific trainer and he is outstanding. He is the best in the business. He's been able to keep our players out on the fields, from an injury-prevention standpoint and to increase their performance when playing."

In addition to preventing overuse injuries, the Baseball Performance Edge Program lessens the likelihood of a player getting injured due to a sudden burst of speed or an immediate change in direction--two actions constantly seen on the field, according to Williams. "Their bodies are able to accept those loads, sprints or positions because Brien  has prepared them."

Shamp incorporates core strengthening into his baseball-specific training regime and it's no coincidence that since he's been there, CSM has won eight consecutive championships.

The Baseball Performance Edge Program has helped a myriad of players improve their posture, flexibility and mobility, and numerous athletes, including Texas Ranger Scott Feldman have been able to ramp up their performance, speed and agility.

For more information on the Baseball Performance Edge Program or Optimal Fitness Lifestyle Center, visit: optimalfitnesslifestyle.net, or baseballperformanceedge.com or call (650)654-4604.