Zach Hurd, Offensive Lineman, Raiders Training Camp, 2012

We have had the distinct pleasure of working with Zach Hurd, local guy who just happens to be an offensive lineman with the Oakland Raiders. Not only is Zach one of the best people we know, but he is also one of the hardest working, most dedicated, and smartest athletes you will ever meet.

Zach took the time to talk with us and explain how our training helped him break into the ranks of the NFL. The fantastic full interview is below. Zach can teach all athletes a thing or three. Here are a few nuggets from our conversation explaining the benefits he derived from our work together:

• Training with Pursuit is different than the traditional program of “lift weights and run.” Our program taught Zach how to tie all the systems together and understand that true strength and fitness is about more than just getting bigger in the weight room. Zach is proof positive that being rock-solid stable is powerful stuff that pays big dividends. He also talks about how our work together has decreased his risk of injury even in the face of the rigor and the challenges of the NFL.

• He says, “Last season, when I went to the Raiders for my tryout they asked me to do a couple of drills. I tied in what you guys taught me–lats, cross, down to the butt, keep that core tight–and the coaches definitely saw that stability in my pass protection. That’s why they picked me up, and why I was there all [last] season. It’s definitely a big reason why they signed me to a new contract.”

• Asked if Pursuit is for only elite level athletes, Zach replied it didn’t matter if you were a child or a grandmother. He said our program will help anyone who wants to take their fitness “to the next level” and remain healthy– “If you want to make sure your body is here for the long term, then you definitely want to come in.”

Zach is at the first day of the 2012 Raiders training camp today. To know that we had a hand in his ability to reach the highest ranks of performance in professional football is incredibly gratifying and humbling.

Thank you, Zach, for not only taking the time to talk to us, but for taking the time to learn and put into practice movement and strength principles that will serve you well throughout your career and beyond. We hope your words will inspire any number of athletes to learn the truth about training correctly, and how one’s ultimate performance can, in fact, be unleashed when you do the right work.