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Sunday, June 1, 2008
Bua Takes Training To The ‘Next Level’
Western Arkansas, AR
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By: Bob Stephens
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Photo(s) By: Mike Capshaw
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Former Razorback Tony Bua combines what he learned in high school, college and the NFL into workouts
Every athlete’s goal is to reach the next level. Tony Bua wants to show them how.
Bua, a former Arkansas Razorback linebacker, made it to the top of his profession as a fifth-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins, where he played in seven games as a rookie.
“My whole life, I wanted to do two things: play football and own a training facility,” Bua said.
He reached that second goal by opening “Next Level Training” in Rogers, where he caters to athletes of all ages.
“I’ve been through the training from middle school to high school to college to the NFL,” Bua said. “I’ve taken the best of all that and use it to help young athletes. I love going to work every day and teaching young athletes how to achieve their dreams.”
Bua trains adults during the day and concentrates on prep athletes from 3:30-9 p.m.
Lyn Poplin, 39, lost 22 pounds in his first month of training with Bua.
“I’ve tried working out at different gyms and I don’t have the discipline to stay with it,” Poplin said. “Tony keeps me motivated, keeps me going. And he customizes the workouts to suit me. I’m losing weight and feeling good. I’m sold.”
Brandon Tyner, 36, works out with Bua, as does his son Trey, a freshman football player at Gravette. In two months, Trey has significantly improved his time in the 40-yard dash plus his strength while adding 12 pounds of muscle.
“Tony knows how to relate to the kids,” Brandon Tyner said. “He brings out the best in the kids. You can see the energy and tenacity he puts in with each kid, and he makes them do it correctly. What made Tony different as a player was his heart. I think that sets him apart in this, too.”
Bua, drafted in the 26th round by the Cleveland Indians out of high school, works with three other trainers and caters to athletes from all sports.
“The things we do complement what they’re already doing with their school,” Bua said. “We tailor to their needs. It’s not just a cattle call.”
Next Level Training is 8,500 square feet that includes an indoor sprint track, indoor batting cage, a basketball/volleyball court, parent observation room, player’s lounge and power lifting area. The state-of-the-art weight room measures 2,000 square feet.
Bua offers film training, too, where athletes can compare their technique to the pros.
“Kids learn what it’s like to train at the next level,” Bua said. “Most things we do are violent and fast. Guys are getting great results.”
Brandon Tyner is a fan of the process.
“His theory is 100 percent different,” Tyner said. “It’s fast-paced, he uses light weight and it’s explosive. Everything is designed to help speed and quickness and the skills a kid needs for their sport.”
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