Parisi Speed School Helps Athletes Put Their Fastest Foot Forward

One of Enfield’s hidden gems is Parisi Speed School, a program that delivers positive training that improves speed of movement and strength in character, regardless of ability.

There are 65 locations across the nation, and the school has been recognized as the country’s premiere athletic performance enhancement organization for young athletes, according to their website.

“The focus is mainly on that of the young athletes’ confidence,” said Ciara Crinion, one of the Parisi performance coaches who is also a soccer coach.

An initial evaluation is conducted for each athlete, followed by a series of seven tests ranging from speed, strength and agility. The athlete will be retested each month.

The techniques utilized by Parisi have been produced over 127 National Football League draft picks, and specially trained coaches are prepared to train individual athletes or entire teams.

Crinion says teams are invited to Parisi to receive one hour of free training to work on athletic performance.

Parisi is trying to get as many teams involved as possible because there is no similar programs offered locally.

“All of the town around here could benefit from this program, but not a lot of people know it’s here,” Crinion told us.

Program Director Derek Hatfield is very excited to be playing a role in assisting athletes reach their potential.

The following Q&A reflects information from Hatfield.

Who is the program open to?

The Parisi Speed School is open to boys and girls Ages 7 and up

Who teaches the program?

Our coaches usually have extensive sports backgrounds either having participated in sports through High School and College or coached sports throughout their lives.  Coaches are either hired with, or encouraged to complete degrees in related fields such as, Sports Medicine or Exercise Science.  All of our coaches must be Certified Personal Trainers plus be Certified Performance Coaches through our Parisi systems.

What are the benefits of participating in the program?

The Parisi Speed School has allowed athletes to do the two things our program strives for: Athletes have improved their athletic performance, but more importantly, they have developed a higher level of self-confidence.

How does it work?

The first step to our program is to have every athlete go through a Performance Evaluation. The Performance Evaluation is a mandatory event for every athlete that enters the Parisi Program. During the Evaluation, athletes are taught our signature Dynamic Warm-Up, are examined during our Running Analysis Procedures, and are tested in a battery of physical speed and strength tests. After the evaluation, every athlete and parent meets individually with the Evaluator to review the results. At that time, the parent and athlete will have been given the correct information to select the appropriate program to fit his or her needs.

How long does the program take?

There is no real way to gauge how long the program will actually take, as every athlete has different goals, abilities, and time available to devote to the program.  Our program offers classes multiple times per day for all ages, six days a week.  This makes the program very convenient for families with busy schedules.  

Do you need to be a member of Healthtrax gym to take part in the program?

You do not need to be a member of Healthtrax, although members do receive a substantial discount to Parisi Speed School Programs.

How much does the program cost?

The program can cost as little as $89 per month for unlimited classes for a non Healthtrax member.

Why is it important to have athletes participate in the program?

Our program is proven to help athletes improve speed, increase strength, improve agility, develop endurance, maximize jumping ability, decrease susceptibility to injury, and most importantly boost self-confidence.

Why do you enjoy working in the program?

It is very enjoyable to see athletes grow through our program and reach levels they never knew possible.  Whether an athlete is just starting out or a seasoned veteran, there is always room for improvement and that will ultimately bring success to all who strive for it.  We are here to motivate and help athletes grow.  The best feeling is when an athlete comes back in a couple years and thanks you for your help, there is no greater feeling.

Parisi Speed School is located inside Healthtrax Fitness Center located at 3 Weymouth Road in Enfield. They are open Monday through Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and Sunday by appointment. For more information, call 860-745-2408.