Crusader Athletes Begin Comprehensive Strength & Fitness Training

Shannon Forest is excited to announce that we are partnering with Upstate Elite Fitness (UEF) to conduct strength and conditioning training for our Crusader athletes. Upstate Elite Fitness will provide our athletes with a comprehensive strength and conditioning program that will enable them to meet and exceed their fitness goals, regardless of how broad and varied. For the student athlete this means preparing them not only for their sport endeavors, but also for the basic rigors of life.

The program will be headed by Brandon Simpson.  He has been training athletes for 4 years and has been a Crossfit Level 1 Trainer for 3 years.  Brandon graduated from the Calhoun Honor College at Clemson University with a degree in Secondary Education.  He previously coached 4A basketball and taught world history in the upstate.

The overall goal for our partnership with Upstate Elite Fitness is to achieve Fitness and Athleticism for the students in training and to provide a strong physical foundation that will last for a lifetime.  UEF does this in the following ways:

Practical Strength: This means recognizing that the body is constantly working as a symphony of muscles on a number of plains. Therefore, we train with movements that most closely mimic those you would use in everyday sport and life, and seek to build strength in those movements. Furthermore, it means avoiding unnecessarily limiting exercises and focusing on those that make you stronger in the movements that are practical.

Full Range of Motion: We recognize that the body is, in part, a machine - a system of pulleys, levers, and joints. To create practical strength and speed, we need those pulleys, levers, and joints to be moving freely through their full range of motion. Towards this end, we work on increasing the mobility of a person so they can mechanically function at their peak. In short, we not only seek to develop practical strength, but strength through the body’s full range of motion.

Injury Proof: The end result of general physical preparedness and fitness with practical power through a full range of motion is a decrease in the amount of time one spends hurt or injured. For our Shannon Forest student athletes, this is crucial. One injury can sideline months of hard work and practice! We believe that if you are moving correctly, strong, and mobile that this drastically reduces the likelihood of getting injured.

Brandon’s training is varied to accomplish the goals of each individual athlete.  Through the use of a WIDE variety of exercises, tools, and movements (this should not be mistaken as being random) combinations of exercises will challenge our athletes with new and different things that will broaden their abilities and make them stronger and faster!   Students will work through a full range of motion in their training.  They will work on groups of muscles that often work together, and will do these exercises throughout the full range of motion. Training will also be at a high intensity.  This is just as it sounds!  It is also important to note that “high intensity” is different for everyone. Brandon will work with our students as a team to encourage all of our athletes to work hard... working hard is “high intensity.”

Students attending training for the first time can expect that the time together will be driven by team work and community.  “We are all together to get better and will most likely be challenged, each of us in our own way,” said Brandon.  “While the work is high intensity, we place an equally high value on keeping you healthy and safe.”  A normal session will begin with a warm up and lead into a strength building element.  This may be followed by a new skill or movement for future use before heading into a workout that both conditions and continues building strength.  The workout often closes with a mobility move (stretching).

Shannon Forest student athletes (both in and out of season) may train free of charge.  Students who are not in a sport can train for $50 a month. UEF is also offering classes for adults who wish to train in the mornings or afternoons.  Faculty and parents of Shannon Forest students receive a discount off of the standard monthly rate of $100/month. (25% discount $75 a month) UEF also offers an extended family rate.

Students wanting to get started should contact Josh Pedersen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 864.939.8676.