Athletic Lab

Congratulations to the latest Athletic Lab Coaching Academy CHPC Level 1 graduates.

Athletic Lab Coaching Academy CHPC Level 1 in São Paulo Athletic Lab Coaching Academy CHPC Level 1 held in São Paulo, Brazil. The course marked the 4th in-person course of 2026

Memorial Day is coming up. Check out our special schedule for the holiday.

2026 Memorial Day Schedule In observance of Memorial Day, Athletic Lab will have a modified class schedule on Monday May 25th, 2026.

Athletic Lab's Mike Young provided a 4 day CHPC Level 1 and 2 Course for Athletic Lab Coaching Academy in Istanbul, Turkey.

CHPC Level 1 and 2 in Istanbul, Turkey Learn more about how coaches who attended the Athletic Lab Academy CHPC in Istanbul elevated their sports performance knowledge.

Have you ever wanted to do a handstand or muscle up? We can help. Join us for a special gymnastics skills workshop on May 24th.

Athletic Lab Gymnastics Workshop Join the athletic lab gymnastics workshop to enhance your skills and learn from experts in the field.

Congrats to Angelo Oclese our May Member of the Month:

May Member of the Month: Angelo Olcese Meet the Athletic Lab member of the month for May: Angelo Olcese

Athletic Lab's Mike Young provides workshop for NSCA North Carolina State Clinic. This marks the second consecutive year an Athletic Lab staff member has been an invited guest to present at the state's top clinic (Craig Kleinberg - 2025). Young previously presented at the state clinic in 2017 and has presented at NSCA national events 4 times.

Mike Young presents at NSCA North Carolina State Clinic Athletic Lab's Mike Young presented on agility at the 2026 NSCA North Carolina State clinic in Wilmington.

Athletic Lab's Mike Young provides 3 part lecture series for Quadro Athletics in advance of an Athletic Lab Coaching Academy Certified High Performance Coach Level 1 & 2 course in Istanbul April 30-May 3.

Mike Young completes 3 part webinar series for Quadroathletics Discover the Mike Young webinar series Turkey, a unique opportunity to gain knowledge from expert speakers and grow your skills.

Thank you to all who assisted or competed in our March Madness weightlifting meet.

And special thanks for our sponsors:
919Spine
Output Sports
Sorinex Exercise Equipment
TeamBuildr
VALD Performance
WCC Cafe by Tribeca
Wooten Agency
Restore Hyper Wellness
The Athlete's Archive

Athletic Lab Hosts Successful March Madness Weightlifting Meet Explore the highlights of March Madness weightlifting, featuring 69 athletes and thrilling competitions throughout the day.

You might have seen people around the Lab doing weighted pull-ups, or even had them suggested as a progression or RX+ in a class. But when are you really ready to advance to a weighted pull-up?

The answer can vary based on who you talk to but a good, safe starting place is when you can perform 10-15 strict bodyweight pull-ups. Additionally it’s recommended you have demonstrated good scapular control, a controlled eccentric (lowering) phase during bodyweight pull-ups, and overall no significant pain during the movement.

If programming loads at lower reps, targeting more maximal strength adaptations, you may want to add weight sooner than doing achieving 15 reps at bodyweight. Healthy shoulders and movement control should remain a common denominator.

Lastly, for those of you using bands for assisted pull-ups wondering “I can’t even do one bodyweight squat when will I ever get to do weighted pull-ups?!” If you’re wanting to do “heavier assisted pull-ups” to target a lower rep range, try swapping for a lighter band (less assistance) and it will be very similar to adding a weight plate or dumbbell to a bodyweight pull-up.

Remember: movement standards of full arm extension to chin above the bar are still required for weighted pull-ups. Always complete the rep in full ROM unless advised otherwise by a coach!

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