#MotivationMonday: Do you have what it takes to train like a decathlete? | Exercise.com Learn: Your Fitness Business Resource

#MotivationMonday: Do you have what it takes to train like a decathlete?

Tyler Spraul is the director of UX and the head trainer for Exercise.com. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine and is an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a former All-American soccer player and still coaches soccer today. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, and living the dad life. He has been featured in Shape, Healthline, HuffPost, Women's...

Full Bio →

Written by

UPDATED: Nov 6, 2020

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about your brand. Let us do the heavy lifting.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident fitness software decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. Our partners do not influence our content. Our opinions are our own.

Editorial Guidelines: The Editorial Team at Exercise.com is dedicated to providing fair, unbiased information about the fitness industry. We update our site regularly and all content is reviewed by credentialed fitness experts.

Although athleticism can be measured in many ways, one of the ultimate tests is the Olympic decathlon.

With its unique combo of strength, agility, speed, and explosiveness, the decathlon is ranked as one of the most elite competitions. As proof of the decathlon’s eliteness, the victor is awarded the golden title, “World’s Greatest Athlete” (think Jim Thorpe and Bruce Jenner).

After hearing about what goes on in the games, we wondered what a decathlete’s typical training day looks like. And let’s just say it’s more intense than you probably guessed!

Want to experience a minute of a decathlete’s regular workout routine? Check out Cal Dietz’s video below:

You may be wondering what the French contrast method has to do with decathlon training. The answer is explosiveness! The key to the “World’s Greatest Athlete” is explosive athleticism.

Cal Dietz popularized the French contrast training method because he realized it has the ability to increase explosiveness by engaging a greater number of muscle fibers than typical exercises.

Since this method puts high amounts of stress on the athlete, we should mention that French contrast training should only be used by experienced athletes. Now you can see why decathlon training is so intense!

Not a decathlete yet? No problem!

Besides helping you strengthen your experience base, Cal Dietz can get you decathlon ready!

In addition to popularizing the French contrast method and developing triphasic training, Dietz is the head Strength and Conditioning coach at the University of Minnesota (UM).

In his 16 year tenure at UM, Dietz has trained numerous award-winning athletes and teams and has consulted Olympic and world champions, as well as professional athletes in the NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB.

Take the next step in becoming an explosive athlete by joining Dietz’s Multi-Sport Advanced Collegiate Triphasic Training program. For a one-time fee of $15, you will receive six weeks of workout plans, workout demonstrations and tips, lifetime access to the program, and workout reminders.

Video credit: Calvin Dietz

Learn more about Exercise.com Fitness Business Management Software.

Schedule your demo today.