New training facility for athletes in Queensbury

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The new year is around the corner, and many want to set themselves up for success with new goals. If you’re an athlete looking to reach new heights, a new facility recently opened in Queensbury that does just that.

Tyler Mattison was 13 years old when he started a regimented exercise routine. He graduated from Fort Ann in 2017 and now, at 25 years old, he’s gearing up for another season with the Detroit Tigers. The pitcher credits one man with helping him elevate his skills. 

That man is David Martin. He is the director of operations for ETS Performance Upstate, located in Queensbury, N.Y. They started sessions on December 2.

The gym has 42 locations nationwide but this is the first one on the east coast. It stands for Englebert Training Systems (ETS) and is named after founder, and former NFL athlete, Ryan Englebert. It’s co-owned by a handful of current NFL players.

“Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen, C.J. Ham,” said Martin. “We have trained over 2,500 college athletes. We have over 200 professional athletes. So, it’s been a really amazing thing, that’s kind of what drew me to ETS.”

ETS coaches create individualized performance plans to meet athletes where they’re at. 

“Whether they’re coming off an injury, whether they’re in season, whether they’re off-season and really looking to make some serious progress,” said Martin. “We take a look at how old the athlete is, how long they’ve been training, how many sports they are involved in, what injuries they have gone through in the past and then figuring out what really lights them up and attacking those goals day in and day out.”

Martin takes pride in the science-based training program but opening the Queensbury location has been particularly special to him and has everything coming full circle.

“I grew up here and to be able to come back and now really, I have every resource at my fingertips. I have everything that’s in front of me to provide that great coaching experience that I know these kids need. I can promise you they’re gonna get my best each and every day because we have big goals here,” said Martin.

A method proven to help kids take their abilities to the next level. Tyler Mattison has been training with Martin for over a decade.

“The days you feel good it’s easy to work out, but it’s the days you wake up and the bed is warm and it’s cold outside and you’re comfy. Those are the days that it’s tough to show up and working out with Dave, and through my parents, you learn the value of consistency and what it means to show up every day,” said Mattison.

It’s the MLB’s off-season right now and Mattison has been recovering from Tommy John surgery. Although it’s been challenging, he said Martin helps him put things in perspective. He’s always wanted to be a professional baseball player since he was a kid.

“It seems so far away and there’s so many steps you have to take and you think maybe it’s easier when you’re a kid, but you learn as you go along the process that there’s a lot of ups and downs and you’re gonna get knocked on your butt more times than you can imagine,” said Mattison. 

It’s always good being home but Mattison said being home for the holidays this time around is special for more than one reason.

“See old teammates, see old friends and especially getting to work out with Dave again. You get to appreciate working out in his garage,” said Mattison. “And now you’re at this great facility and just how cool that is and how special it is. And not taking that for granted.”

Mattison was not a gifted athlete right out of the gate, Martin said, but what made him different was he fell in love with the process and was consistent.

“Honestly it feels amazing. It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life, watching Tyler grow. To see a kid come in that had goals, he wanted things, but he wasn’t sure how to get it,” said Martin.

Mattison said outside of his parents it’s Martin who’s had the biggest impact on his life. He’s grateful to have a coach like Martin in his corner. 

“And for him to be back in this area it’s just really exciting for all of the athletes around here to come and train with him and have that same experience that I had,” said Mattison.

Mattison is preparing to head down to Florida for Spring Training very soon. But, you can find Martin at ETS Performance Upstate, where the initial evaluation is free and they’re offering 1 month free with any three, six or 12-month membership.