Chapter Overview:

0:00 Intro
0:23 Training Before LPS Athletic
0:47 Why Robert Joined LPS
1:13 Improvements & Results from LPS Training
1:36 Coaching Experience at LPS
2:01 Overcoming Injuries
2:38 Athletic Achievements & Trials in Spain
3:16 What DOMINATE Means to Robert
3:39 Future Goals & Advice for Aspiring Athletes

Soccer Weight Training Program with Robert Herman

My name is Robert Herman. I play soccer at Mississauga. I play for New Stars Academy and I’ve been there for around the last five years. My dad got me into the sport. We watched soccer every weekend and he signed me up for my first team. Before that, it was just playing at lunch, playing at recess with my friends. The ball came to my feet and I loved it ever since. Soccer’s been my life this whole time.

Before LPS, I wasn’t touching any weights. Just calisthenics, body weights, push ups, pull ups. That’s it, no weights. I was focusing more on core strength than speed, but it was a lot different than here.

What made me want to come to LPS is I saw on Instagram how you could take athletes to that next level in terms of speed and strength, and I wanted to add that to my game. It helped me a lot on the field, mainly strength. You walk into LPS, the music’s playing, and right away you see everyone’s focused, everyone’s locked in, and that just motivates you to join them and work your hardest. I really like that about this gym.

Some of the results I noticed after my first few weeks at LPS were dominance on the field and also confidence. I was completely different as a player and it was so much easier on the field, outrunning all my opponents. I was able to go shoulder to shoulder with them and just completely knock them off the ball. It was just a confidence booster, and it was great.

At LPS, with my coaching experience, I obviously came with Clance, and it’s been good. At first, I didn’t really like coming here; I was sore after every training, but I slowly worked it into my routine and it’s gotten better. Everyone around here is so helpful and motivating, and it’s just been a good experience.

The biggest challenge I faced as an athlete was injuries. On the field, I had suffered a knee injury. It was pretty rough. I was out for around a month, which meant I wasn’t able to come here and train. But after about two or three weeks, I was able to come back and work my way slowly back into the routine. The way I overcame those challenges was just hard work and not wanting to quit. Seeing my teammates pass me on the sidelines made me want to get back. I missed that, and the constant desire to improve helped me overcome my injury.

Soccer has been my life this whole time, and that’s all I’m focused on. The biggest athletic achievements I’ve experienced have been winning domestic trophies with my team and having the opportunity to go overseas to Spain for trials with a pro club. That felt really good. It was great to see what football is like in Europe and experience it firsthand. I felt like I played really well and showcased what I’m capable of.

When I think of the word “dominate,” it’s about having complete confidence in yourself and not being afraid to show people what you’re made of. Seeing it here on the walls every day helps me get locked in and know what I have to do to overcome others.

Now, being in my senior year, my goal is to get to university and earn a scholarship. Looking past that, I want to sign a contract in Europe and play professionally. I plan to continue as an athlete and keep coming here to work hard.

Some advice I’d give is to stay consistent. If your friends invite you to a party, remember that training is more important if you want to reach the next level. Consistency has always been my priority, and staying on top of what you’re doing is crucial.

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