If you want to know where Charlie Weingroff stands on an issue, it won't take a lot of coaxing. Charlie has laid the groundwork and earned the right to be forthright with his opinions. As a well respected physical therapist, certified athletic trainer, and strength and conditioning coach, Weingroff has relished all of those roles. From D3 to the NBA to the USMC, Weingroff has used his experiences to educate others.
Weingroff tactfully went into detail about his experiences as the head of training for the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina — military base where I was stationed for several years. His reflections concerning the culture of combat readiness and physical performance were candid and eye-opening.
Of all the rationale I have heard form the Functional Movement Screens (or screening and assessments in general), Weingroff's take may paint the most clear picture about the process I have heard.
Weingroff also goes into detail about specific exercises and which ones have the best carryover not only for human performance, but also for lifelong health through more efficient movement. Like Charlies has said, the bridge between training and rehab is one that needs crossed through a respect of the scope of practice and the fundamental knowledge of the roles of each practitioner.
Weingroff pulls no punches and this interview will reinforce some of your beliefs and question others. Enjoy.
Topics Covered in this Podcast
- How Charlie Got into the Field
- The Rationale Behind Training = Rehab, Rehab = Training
- How We Get It Wrong When Integrating Scopes of Practices
- How and Why Training Works (and Doesn’t ) in a Military Setting
- Recovery as It Relates to Performance
- Making the Most of Assessment Tools
- The Best Rationale Behind the FMS
- The Idea of Joint Centration for Performance
- The Five-Exercise Drill
- Why the Box Squat is Beneficial
- Advice for Young Coaches
- How to Contact Charlie
Elitefts™ Sports Performance Podcast on iTunes
The Charlie Weingroff File
Charlie is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Certified Athletic Trainer, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He was most recently the Director of Physical Performance and Resiliency and Lead Physical Therapist for the United States Marines Corps Special Operations Command in Camp Lejeune, NC. He is also Director of Clinical Education for the Vibraflex Whole-Body Vibration and Andante Medical, the makers of the SmartStep, mobile force plate. He graduated from Ursinus College with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science in 1996, and went on to earn an MSPT in 1999 and DPT in 2010 from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Prior to returning to his home state of New Jersey in the Fall of 2006 after 12 seasons of professional basketball, he was the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Among the highlights of his tenure in Philadelphia was being part of the medical staff that ranked 1st in the NBA in Player Missed Games in the 2005-06 season.
Through rehabbing patients, he subscribes to a movement-based approach popularized by the works of Dr. Vladimir Janda, Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, Dr. Stuart McGill, and Gray Cook. In training athletes and clients, he champions the principles of the Functional Movement Screen and sound, evidence-based training principles. Some of the methodologies Charlie is formally trained in include DNS, ART, Dry Needling, Graston, FMS/SFMA, and the RKC.
Aside from working with patients, athletes and clients, he is also under the bar himself. In 2007, he achieved AAPF Elite status in the 220 weight class with a total of 1915 pounds. His best powerlifting competition total is 800 squat, 510 bench press and 605 deadlift.
Currently Charlie is training and rehabbing clients of all types at Drive495 in Manhattan, NYC and Fit For Life in Marlboro, NJ. Charlie often teaches and speaks internationally and consults regularly with Nike, the Roddick-Lavalle Tennis Academy, Perform Better, and Equinox Fitness Clubs.
Charlie lives with his wife, Kristen, and dog, Rumble, in NJ. You’re welcome to email him at charlie@charlieweingroff.com with questions for the Q&A section, to offer a comment, or to discuss a potential workshop at your facility.
http://charlieweingroff.com/
