Training Like The Pros: Glenbrook South Using MIT-Developed Tech

GLENVIEW, IL — Last summer, the Glenbrook South High School athletic program installed some new state-of-the-art technology in the weight room. So far, with a fall sports season about to conclude, Perch has been paying off.

"The decision [to install Perch] was part of a larger vision in the physical education and athletic department on reimagining student and student athlete well-being, wellness, and health," said Ryan Bretag, director of instructional innovation at GBS. "This vision found us making significant changes to the environment and programming, but we knew there was leading edge technology that could elevate this vision even more."

Perch, which utilizes MIT-developed technology, is composed of a 3D camera and tablet that are "effortlessly attached" to any weight rack, according to the company. While the athletes lifts, the 3D camera tracks their movements and instantaneously displays important metrics such as sets, reps, velocity, and power output on the tablet. Players and coaches can then access the data via a web and mobile application after the workout. The data is also stored and saved in Perch’s web application to best monitor how to approach future workouts.

GBS had devices installed on all 14 of its racks in the weight room.

"After reviewing the research and understanding how it is implemented, it was clear that velocity based training technology fit perfectly with our vision," Bretag said.

According to Perch's Michael Misetic, the equipment is being used in an increasing number of professional weight rooms across the NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, NBA and NCAA. GBS is one of only a few high schools across the United States currently using it.

"The response has been tremendous so far, despite all of us knowing we are just scratching the surface," Bretag said. "Everyone is seeing the shift from moving a specific weight no matter what to moving the best weight/load on this given day to get the best performance gains. This is a mindset shift that the coaches and educators drove as vital to keeping athletes in the game at their most optimal state."

Among the professional and collegiate programs using Perch are the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia Phillies, Dallas Stars, Columbus Crew, LSU football, Georgia football and Kentucky men's basketball, according to Misetic.

Bretag listed the following benefits the GBS athletic department has seen using Perch:

1. Auto-Regulation — "Perch allows us to focus on the state of the person based upon the stressors in their lives. It also allows for fatigue monitoring (recovery). This allows us to set up training for the desired stimulus at the desired exertion level. We like to say Best Load + Best Day = Best Gains."
2. Data Informed — "Perch is a truth teller as it gives objective feedback on how an athlete is performing. This allows coaches to manage and mitigate volume, load, and even movement intent. It creates the opportunity for applying a minimum effective dose, so athletes are getting better but not getting run down."
3. Athlete Ownership — "Another exceptional advantage is that Perch provides real-time feedback to the athlete in a way that almost makes it feel like you have an assistant coach right there with you. This allows them to understand intent and focus on the desired output for the day rather than an arbitrary number on a bar. With each movement, athletes can see the results, think about adjustments, and engage with coaches much differently about the process. This establishes progress and growth as the intention of their work."

Perch was co-founded by Jordan Lucier, Jacob Rothman and Nate Rodman, graduates of MIT, who had enough of the "constant problem of successfully performing weightlifting exercises," according to a 2019 article in Forbes.

"The data on the tablet and on the leaderboard is also creating opportunities for stronger support and community across all athletes and teams," Bretag added. "You can see them encouraging each other, sharing their insights, and challenging each other to get better. From the interactions to the support, it creates a different energy and vibe."

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