When I started to play volleyball at age of 15, I weighed just 135 pounds standing at 6’1.
When I started lifting weights I couldn’t even lift a 45-pound bar. In the first jump test, I remember I barely reached 25 inches. You can tell I wasn’t the best athlete.
So, how did I get to jump 42 inches, never had a serious injury (never had a surgery), and handle have a 20 year international and pro career?
I did it because I wanted it so badly. I wanted so badly that I spent an extra hour or more in the gym after we finish our regular team practice or workout. I committed to gain weight and increase my strength, power, and speed. I never miss a rep – actually did always more. I never made excuses (tired, sick, low on energy). I work progressively getting better every day – not overnight.
One of my earlier coaches, David Suarez, was a Cuban former international player – won the bronze medal at the Montreal 76′ Olympics. He was the head coach of the Venezuelan youth national team. He was my biggest volleyball mentor. I learned from him volleyball skills, tactics, and strategies. But I also learned how to workout.
The exercises that coach Suarez thought me when I was a teenager were the same I did in my last professional season 20 years later.
In this video you can see some of the main exercises I stick with for my entire career.
