Patrick McHugh

Thoughts on the stunning performances of Mary Cain

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This piece was originally published on February 7, 2013 after watching Mary Cain produce a series of remarkable athletic performances. Although it inspired many people, it unnerved me. I certainly never could imagine the abuse she would be put through, as she has written about herself and detailed in a lawsuit filed this week. As we have seen, abuse in youth sport unfortunately continues to be a concern nearly a decade later. We all need to stay vigilant.

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Patrick McHugh

Staying fit in a pandemic: Vol. 16

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Monday my spring break is over and I am back to school, although it will be a remote school. Writing these pandemic posts and filming these exercises and circuits has been an enjoyable way for me to spend an unexpected two weeks of mostly home stay. Thanks to my helpers! Read more

Patrick McHugh

Staying fit in a pandemic: Vol. 15

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In 1985 I left college and became a teacher and a coach. My decision to do that was based a combination of factors. The biggest was I loved to learn, I loved athletics and I wanted to share those passions with young people who I enjoyed being around. However, there was one part of my decision at that time that was made on a very poor assumption. Read more

Patrick McHugh

Staying fit in a pandemic: Vol. 14

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I still remember the first circuit I ever completed. It was at Baltimore Friends School in what was basically a converted storage closet off the gym that barely fit a universal machine in it. My coach, Gerald Russell, had us either do circuits of 3 sets of 8-12 reps around the universal or a body weight circuit of 3 sets of 8-12 reps. The days we did the body weight circuit were so much tougher. But I still remember the pride I felt when I finally could belt out 3 sets of 12 dips. Read more

Patrick McHugh

Staying fit in a pandemic: Vol. 13

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What is one simple, cheap and versatile fitness tool every athlete should have? Lets start with Mini-Bands. Mini-Bands for those who don’t know can be found typically in yellow, green, blue and black colors. The colors are related to their resistance. Yellow is the lightest resistance and black is the heaviest resistance. I believe every athlete you should have a set of green and blue bands as those seem to be the colors that seem most versatile for exercises. A yellow band might be good for learning some of the more challenging exercises. Read more

Patrick McHugh

Staying fit in a pandemic: Vol. 12

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Yesterday, HMMR Media who has been reposting this series this month, had an outstanding podcast of a number of coaches from around the world. I feel thankful that I was included in this group of teachers and coaches who stem from working with elementary aged children through professional athletes/olympians. Read more

Patrick McHugh

Staying fit in a pandemic: Vol. 11

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When coaches or athletes ask me what is a quick way to maintain or improve total body strength for your sport before or during a season, I answer Dumbbell Complex. The Dumbbell Complex in the video below is one I learned from coach Vern Gambetta. Read more

Patrick McHugh

Staying fit in a pandemic: Vol. 10

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As I did last Sunday, I am posting some inspiration instead of a workout. I originally posted this John Gardner piece in 2013. These words always challenge me. Because life is often about renewal I occasionally repost this in the spring time. With the first day of spring 2020 last Thursday and folks around the country house bound, I am finding this essay to resonate more than ever. Read more

Patrick McHugh

Staying fit in a pandemic: Vol. 9

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Today’s circuit involves one piece of equipment – a medicine ball. If there was one piece of equipment that I would recommend to get through this time, it would be a 3-kilogram medicine ball. Medicine balls are endlessly versatile. Read more

Patrick McHugh

Staying fit in a pandemic: Vol. 8

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Long time readers of this blog know that I used to have a series called Five Reads for Friday which consisted of my recommended reads from the past week — mostly sports related. Today I am pausing from my own suggestions of workouts to share some people I have been following this past week who are sharing great stuff that could help you. It started as five but has steadily grown as I thought about it and the week went on. Read more