BFS Program builds strength, camaraderie

This winter saw the introduction of the Bigger Faster Stronger Total Program (BFS), and with it, physical and mental self-betterment among participating LRHS students.

Founded in 1976, BFS is “a total conditioning program for all athletes regardless of sport, age or gender” designed to improve “all aspects of athletic performance, including strength, power, speed, agility and flexibility.”

LRHS students and student athletes in the program keep coming back for more; BFS is here to stay.

Kellen Drake introduced BFS to the local weight room. His purpose: to encourage unified discipline and drive among student athletes.

Drake explained, “I wanted to start Bigger Faster Stronger because I thought the students at Lind-Ritzville would benefit from having a solid, consistent program they could count on.”

Although there have been suggestions of similar programs in the past, BFS is the first to truly follow through. “I think having a physical log book participants can keep track of and measure their progress helps keep them enthused and accountable,” Drake adds.

In marketing their program, BFS brings attention to the “intensity and progress” the regimentation brings to the weight room. Rather than simply going through the motions (which, granted, might be better than not coming in at all), BFS athletes work with conviction.

Another core value of BFS is unification, or “the idea that all high school athletes, and most college athletes for that matter, should adhere to the same training philosophy…regardless of sport.”

Drake acknowledges that there is something to be said for individualized training: “If the individual is knowledgeable and pushes themselves, then I think these types of workouts can be very effective.”

“But the benefit of a program like BFS,” he continued, “is that it is structured and participants know what to expect…They can keep track of their records which should motivate and reiterate that they are doing something right or they need to work harder.”

The “unification” concept is being cultivated across student athletes of different departments.

Drake notes, “I don’t think I can understate the importance of collaboration and camaraderie.”

On their website, BFS makes high promises to the progress athletes will make, stating, “We guarantee that every athlete will break at least eight personal records per week—week after week, month after month, year after year.”

The camaraderie has a large role in this progress, as Drake explained, “Working together with a partner or as a group pushes people and drives individuals to be better. I think that is what is great about BFS… it’s much better with a sense of community.”

Even those currently in a sport season can participate in the BFS movement. “The BFS program comes with an out of season workout schedule and an in-season schedule,” Drake said of the regimented flexibility.

“The most important thing is just having them in the gym,” he added.

For students or student athletes interested in joining BFS—or for parents interested in sharing the knowledge with their children— group workout sessions are held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:15 a.m. and 4 p.m., with the exception of an 8:15 a.m. start for late start Mondays.

The reasons for participating in BFS are numerous. “I would encourage students of all kinds to participate in BFS… becoming more healthy and fit is something everyone should strive for.”

Injury prevention and stress relief are added benefits, but arguably the strongest reason to participate connects back to unification:

“It’s great to be a part of something bigger than yourself. The community of BFS is building and we always could use more people to build it!” Drake concluded.