Train To Win With Coach Ingster

Gavin Ingster is a name you’re sure to hear among athletes and local sporting communities in New York. Coach Ingster has been working with athletes and diverse populations of all fitness levels, ranging from adolescent and geriatric, to college and professional athletes. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University at Buffalo he went on to receive his Masters degree in Athletic Training from Seton Hall University.

A former competitive ice hockey athlete from the tri-state area, Gavin had the opportunity to work with the Riveters of the NWHL in their inaugural season and has worked with hockey athletes from the USHL, NAHL, OJHL, EHL, NCAA, and youth AAA and AA hockey. His experiences with college athletes include work with NCAA D1 and D3 basketball players at Seton Hall University and Rutgers University-Newark, respectively. He completed a clinical rotation working with NCAA D1 FCS football at Wagner College for the 2014-15 season. At the high school level, he worked as an athletic training and strength & conditioning intern in Oradell, NJ with Bergen Catholic’s nationally ranked wrestling and football teams. At these reputable institutions, along with other clinical experiences, Gavin is versatile in that he has worked with a myriad of sports including soccer, baseball, cross country and track & field, lacrosse, swimming/diving, volleyball and water polo.

This wide range of professional experience has helped Gavin understand the unique needs of athletes at various levels in order to design appropriate strength, conditioning, rehab and preventative programs. His dedication and interest in sports performance and human enhancement is also evident from his volunteer experience that includes work at Columbia University, Buffalo VA Medical Center, and ARC Middle School in Brooklyn.

“We are in the midst of establishing a high-level training facility at Aviator Athletics. While I am passionate about hockey, I appreciate all sports, as I grew up playing multiple. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with some high level High School Athletics, multiple NCAA Division 1 and 3 programs, Semi-Pro, Pro and Olympic athletes.”

What are the benefits of sports performance or your training techniques?

G: Sports Performance is for athletes of all ages, however, there are training differences from one age group to another and from person to person which varies tremendously. There is no one “cookie-cutter” approach, but I do feel that you find similarities specific to athletes that play in their sport. For example: hockey players are known to develop potential hip/groin issues, while baseball athletes are susceptible to elbow & shoulder injuries.

What are some benefits in regards to your training techniques?

G: A major benefit from my training techniques is that I always look at the body as a whole. Due to my Athletic Training and Sports Medicine background, I am very big into injury reduction style exercises and making sure that my athletes are moving well. From day one I preach for people to understand the difference between suffering pain and the body actually working properly.

What is the age group you work with?

G: I work with all age groups and people from all facets of life. As long as they are willing to come to Aviator Athletics, pay attention to detail, work hard, and are open to encouragement and constructive criticism.

What type of athletes and teams do you work with?

G: I work with all different types of athletes. Currently, I’m training multiple youth hockey and volleyball teams based out of Aviator, as well as a several hockey teams throughout the Tri-State area.

How long you have been doing this?

G: I have been working out myself since I was about 14 years old, however, I was doing things the wrong way and got hurt. This lead me to develop a passion about fitness and nutrition, Strength & Conditioning, Athletic Training, Sports Medicine and overall how the body works. I started training individual clients over 10 years ago. In stating this, I consider myself someone who will always continue to learn about this field.

What types of workouts do you utilize?

G: I cannot give out the recipe to my actual workouts ha! That is the beauty of coming to Aviator Athletics and trying them out for yourself! On a serious note, I draw philosophies and techniques from multiple athletes, coaches, athletic trainers and even doctors that I have read about or crossed paths with over the years.

What type of equipment or techniques do you have at Aviator to help athletes?

G: We have a myriad of equipment and access to space that is difficult to find in the 5 boroughs. I am also in the process of securing some partnerships in which we will have state-of-the-art equipment that is used in the Sports Medicine world, right at our disposal here at Aviator Athletics.

Why should someone come train with you? 

G: Someone should come train with me for several reasons. First and foremost, I like to have fun. I appreciate and recognize all my clients’ hard work and understand how sometimes life gets in the way. The fact of the matter is that anyone can get you tired, but can they make you a better athlete? Can they get you to reach your fitness goals without breaking down or causing injury?

G: I think more often then not, these are questions that go overlooked. In our society we are always looking for a “quick fix” and instant gratification. Sometimes things take time. Plain and simple, I am willing to grind out a victory with you on whatever path you wish to follow and whatever goal you would like to accomplish. Like many things that are great in life, it is going to take some hard work and perseverance.

In addition to being a Board-Certified Athletic Trainer, Gavin holds certifications as a Strength & Conditioning Specialist under NSCA, and as an American Sports & Fitness Association Sports Specific Trainer. He has also obtained his USA Hockey Level 1 Coaching Card and is currently scheduled for the Level 2 course.

Check out Aviator Athletics for information on classes and schedules.