Isometric training; Assessments, progressions and regressions, and programming for different populations with Alex Natera

This week’s guest on the Pacey Performance Podcast is Alex Natera. Alex has been a Strength and Conditioning coach in elite sport for the past 23 years. Over this time, he has held a number of positions across a range of professional football codes and Olympic sports in Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Alex has predominantly worked with track and field sprinters and was previously the Head of Strength & Power for GWS Giants in the AFL followed by his role as Head of S&C for the New South Wales Institute of Sport. Since 2021, he is currently their Manager of Performance Support. Alex has become known as the “isometric training guy”, and that’s exactly what he’s here to talk about in the run-up to the release of his and Rob’s upcoming isometric training course. Starting from the beginning, Alex talks about his early influences in isometrics and how he developed his own theories. Moving on, he discusses isometric assessments and how they set the foundations of a training program. There’s also details into assessments for the hip, knee and ankle. Alex and Rob also preview their upcoming isometrics course, including how isometric programs should be developed, especially regarding young athletes. There’s also insight into isometrics and rehabilitation, plus where isometrics fit alongside traditional strength training. We also get to hear what will be included in the course, including how to put programs together, periodised plans, weekly layouts, and how to start an isometric program from scratch. For all this, hit play now. This week’s topics: Alex’s early influences in isometrics Isometric assessments for the hip, knee and ankle, and how they set the foundations of the program Alternatives to using a force plate for assessments Specific isometric assessments for different sports Using isometrics with young athletes Overlaying isometrics with traditional strength training Isometrics and rehabilitation Details of Alex and Rob’s upcoming isometric training course