Effective sports performance training requires an individualized and comprehensive approach. All Heavy Athletes are evaluated so that their unique strengths, weaknesses, injury histories, sporting demands, and goals can be addressed in a program that is written from scratch. Each plan covers the body from head to toe so that trainees are ready for competition.
WHO WE ARE
Our
Mission
Effective sports performance training requires an individualized and comprehensive approach. All Heavy Athletes are evaluated so that their unique strengths, weaknesses, injury histories, sporting demands, and goals can be addressed in a program that is written from scratch. Each plan covers the body from head to toe so that trainees are ready for competition.
Effective sports performance training requires an individualized and comprehensive approach. All Heavy Athletes are evaluated so that their unique strengths, weaknesses, injury histories, sporting demands, and goals can be addressed in a program that is written from scratch. Each plan covers the body from head to toe so that trainees are ready for competition.
Commitment to the fundamentals doesn’t mean using a small number of exercises or methods. Instead, it’s about adherence to four key principles: progressive overload, specificity, individuality, and variation. Training at Heavy Athletics is continually evolving as we rely on the best-available science—but “the basics” will always be our foundation.
Our
Values
01
BIG ON THE BASICS
Commitment to the fundamentals does not mean using a small number of exercises or methods. Instead, it’s about adherence to four key principles: progressive overload, specificity, individuality, and variation. Training at Heavy Athletics is evolving as we rely on the best-available science—but “the basics” will always be our foundation.
02
UNPARALLELED TRAINING
Effective sports performance training requires an individualized and comprehensive approach. All Heavy Athletes are evaluated so that their unique strengths, weaknesses, injury histories, sporting demands, and goals can be addressed in a program that uses a “bottom-up” design. Each plan covers the body from head to toe so that trainees are ready for competition.
03
ENCOURAGING CULTURE
Heavy Athletics is Pittsburgh’s only private, application-based sports performance facility. Because of the highly personal environment there is no room for laziness, ego, or negative attitudes. Heavy Athletes participate in a wide range of sports and span various ability levels.
James Lederach
My love for all things exercise began when I was only eleven years old. Despite competing in multiple sports as a teenager, I always enjoyed training the most. In college I developed a passion for classroom instruction and went on to become a high school teacher once my studies were complete. During that time I realized that my love for training converged with teaching in a singular profession: strength and conditioning. In 2016 I was afforded the opportunity to coach for UPMC Sports Medicine in the world-class Lemieux Sports Complex, where I built my foundation under renowned NHL strength coach, Lorne Goldenberg. During my two years at Lemieux I gained experience with the Pittsburgh Penguins, trained countless athletes, and began pursuing a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. I then furthered my career with another local organization, but soon realized that I would need to operate independently to provide the best service for my athletes. On February 27, 2019, Heavy Athletics opened its doors and has been growing ever since.
Master’s Degree +
Master’s Degree in Exercise Science with concentrations in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention
Certified +
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) and USA Weightlifting certified
Experienced +
Has trained nearly 1,000 athletes