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An unorthodox workout
POLAND
Bill Nichol said he always had an interest in the science of how the body responds to athletic training.
That interest led to the development of his formula and his training techniques, which led to establishment of Outer Limits Athletic Performance in 2008 in Pittsburgh.
“I wanted to create a facility specifically for athletes and design customized, multiphase programs based on periodization,” Nichol said. Periodization is how the body responds to a training stimulus, how it recovers and what the next training phase entails, he added. “It’s more-scientific, professional training.”
A graduate of Penn State University, Nichol opened a second location, at 590 E. Western Reserve Road in Poland, where his wife, Patty, grew up. The 4,500-square- foot facility features a multitude of equipment including free weights, flex bands and a 40-yard Astroturf field. Unlike typical training facilities, Outer Limits focuses on quality one-on-one individualized training, Nichol said.
However, the facility accepts only athletes involved in an organized sport. Since the program is customized, the cost varies. Nichol said he meets with potential clients to discuss their goals. Since its opening Sept. 22, Nichol said the facility has a client base of 10 high-school athletes. Nichol said his facility can handle 30 to 40 athletes, but there is a cutoff point.
“I like to the keep the quality high,” he said. “The reason we’re here is to get that athlete to the next level.”
Matt Pappas, 17, who plays centerfield for the Canfield High School varsity baseball team, works out at the Poland facility five days a week for an hour each day.
“It’s fun to come here,” he said.
Pappas said he’s gained 15 pounds of muscle in six weeks and is interested in playing baseball in college.
Nichol also made adjustments to his philosophy and way of business after managing the Pittsburgh facility for six years, which has two additional trainers. Nichol and his wife live in Cranberry Township, Pa., from which he commutes to both locations.
“I’ve already been through this once,” he said. “It all comes down to results.”
Seeing the results in action is the rewarding part of his business, Nichol added. He said he attends the games of his clients and sees the improvement in their performance.
“It should help the sports in the area,” he said.