Welcome back to Sunday 7s, where I strive to provide a small dose of levity to the current coronavirus pandemic by highlighting 7 things relevant to the times and to yours truly, AKA Chris, sport guy by trade, social thought provoker by design.

Before digging into Getting into Sports shape… here is the updated set of guidelines that we are taking on for our upcoming Camps. I wouldn’t say its a daunting task but it is certainly somewhere between bold and and full of …

AKASPORT Protocol and Guidelines Link

Now time to get in shape. Here’s Sunday 7’s…Taking Charge, Top 7 Fitness & Sports Motivators, Partners & Tips by video. AKASPORT is building its own video library as we speak…more to come!

Seriously people…we’ve got to go. We’ve got to elevate our standards for physical health and overall preparedness. With Summer right around the corner, there isn’t a better time. With everything going on out there, take control and as was said from the very beginning… Don’t let the Fear get you!

1. Start right… Dynamic Warm-ups thanks to Cam Krugerud and Pursuit Fitness
Cam Krugerud is relentless. Loaded with personal training everything, Cam can get you to where you want to go with your fitness. I wanted to start the 7s with proper Dynamic Warm-ups and there’s no one better. You can always reach Cam with your group or personal training needs. www.pursuitfitnessmn.com

2. Morning Cardio - Hill Workouts
Scaling things back a bit…but grinding nonetheless. Running has been my cardio go to since college but as you get older it’s key to mix it up. Break up the monotony. Change your pace and support the bones and muscles that running doesn’t. Find your hill, find the right gear and 10-15 minutes later, you’re good to go.
((WARNING: the most boring video of this Blog))

3. Be Bold - Keep Hammerin’, The Cam Hanes Story
Salute to this stud…Cameron Hanes.
Run a marathon, add a full day of work, shoot high level bow and arrow (professional) and pump racks of weights with needed recovery stretching…every day…Let’s Go!

My brother pumps me up with Cam’s videos and now I’m putting my “Hammer” plan together. Set your sights, make your own bold Cam Hanes story and Keep Hammerin!
(Be advised: Moderate Foul Language and Extreme Motivation)

4. Nova Care - Dynamic Stretching
A fellow proud sponsor of Adrenaline Sports Center, Nova Care has an outstanding team of therapy specialists. I asked Nova Care physical therapist and vice president, Donn Berkeland, for some rehabilitation and dynamic stretching tips and he certainly delivered. If you are in need of advice or treatment, don’t hesitate to reach Donn at DBerkeland@selectmedical.com.

5. Brain Breaks - nod to AKA Director and Coach Dean Downs and John Vogel
Now it’s time for a … Brain Break! While at work, kids in school, break in your newspaper or thorough Sunday 7’s reading, don’t forget to take a break for some light calisthenics or stretching. Here are Spring Lake Park Physical Education Department’s finest, Dean, John and Ben.

6. Xterra USA - AKA Sponsor providing plenty of Xtreme virtual tips
Over the past 20 years, Xterra has evolved from one racing event into an endurance sports lifestyle brand. Their worldwide platform for events and motivated customer base has had to take a break in their action but have kept us with their global customer base with virtual opportunities through Xterra-Connect.

7. Soccer - the Art of the World’s Beautiful Game
I’ll be the first to tell you… Soccer is not my sport. It has been my backbone for about 35 years but there are 100 other things I’d rather be doing and there are 100 other Soccer Coaching/Playing colleagues of mine who I would refer to over me.

Soccer taught me so much in life and these days the amount of running that I do at 40 years old, I can only credit soccer for setting such a ton. (#SoccerBlessed)
I’ve coached youth all the way to college players and I still up with the trends but if you want some virtual coaching tips, see the additional clips at the bottom for the some of the best in the soccer coaching business (Sean, Shari, Tom and Donny).

#Below - Additional AKA Partners and Videos to Take Charge and Get in Shape!

***Basketball Training - Jared Berggren and Catalyst Basketball Former Professional, Big Ten All Conference at Univ. of Wisconsin, Princeton (MN) High School All State and Coon Rapids own, Jared Berggren is a giant (literally) encyclopedia of basketball execution. Jared trains hundreds of kids of all levels and sizes. You can find more videos of Jared on YouTube or at Adrenaline Sports Center this summer.

***Baseball Training - Minnesota Twins

You bet we miss baseball! There are a ton of resources out there and our very own Minnesota Twins have set up webinars for players and coaches, so take advantage! Otherwise, I’ve found the Ripken Baseball Tips to be the best YouTube baseball training.

***Soccer - Shari Eckstrom, her Elite Feet Soccer and Eagan Wave SC.
She never shies away from a global crisis much less any moment to shine, Shari is one of the best in all of Minnesota!

***Soccer - Tuesdays with Tommy
Filmed and produced by local Mom hero Jean Soehn and Kick Like a Girl, Tom Soehn, with many ties to Minnesota and MN Soccer. In his time between MLS playing and coaching and now as the Head Coach of the Birmingham Legion Tom was Director of Player Development at the National Sports Center. Extremely passionate and caring coach, Tuesdays with Tommy, with the help from his daughters, has been some of the best coaching material I have seen throughout this time of Quarantine. Thank you Tom and Jean and family!

***Soccer - Sean Burkett and Fear the Keeper! Fellow Adrenaline Sports Center tenant, Sean Burkett runs year-round Soccer Goalkeeper Training when not running his business. Passionate and full of energy, Sean is all about the detail and gets the most out of his players! For Goalkeeper training, contact Sean Burkett, #FTK, today!

***Soccer - Donny Mark and Alchemy Developmental Soccer Club
Former All-American, Division 1 Champion (UCONN), professional soccer player and overall great dude, Donny Mark, has kicked his energy and opportunities up throughout the Quarantine. At his Alchemy Sports Complex, Donny and his top trainer and associate, Coach Geison Moura, have been putting on high energy and outstanding soccer and fitness training for their players, their families and the public (namely the Western TC suburbs). Proud of all the work Donny puts out…thanks for everything bro!

If anyone has any more training content or videos you would like to share, feel free to add to the comments below or message me at chris@akasport.org.

Take Charge and Get in Shape… Summer’s coming… Let’s Go!