Bedford School has teamed up with a local personal training gym to give our 1st and 2nd rugby teams the extra edge.
SHIFT, a brand new training club in Bedford based near the Harpur Trust offices, is run by former Bedford Blues player Sacha Harding who knows only too well the benefits that strength and conditioning training can bring to the game.
James Hinkins, Director of Rugby, approached Sacha with the aim of increasing the boys’ fitness and strength ahead of this year’s season. So far, the sessions appear to be paying dividends, with the 1st XV already securing wins against Oundle, Uppingham, Eton, Dulwich and Warwick.
The boys have been attending weekly strength and conditioning sessions under the guidance of Sacha, who has been working with them to make sure they are training with maximum efficiency.
Mr Hinkins explained, “As well as increasing their aerobic fitness, the boys are working under pressure together and this really helps them develop unity and bond as a team. The change of scenery helps add a new dimension to training, and the main advantage of the boys using this gym is that they receive coach-led training from a former professional player – you can’t get better than that.”