Strength and Conditioning Program
- Student-Athlete Workout Program Information
- Strength & Conditioning Coach Mike Cochran
- Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Liz Vlad
- Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Willie Danzer
- NSCA All-Americans
- Football Strength Records
The Penguin Advantage Program is designed to promote
student-athlete development in physical fitness and athletic
ability. This comprehensive program incorporates some of the latest
and basic methods to train the university's full complement of
athletic teams. 
The emphasis of the Advantage Program is on total physical development to improve performance and reduce the likelihood of injury. Muscle balance is stressed as the basis for each athlete with special attention to technique and exertion of various lifting techniques. A variety of weight-training styles consistently challenges athletes to perform better as well as understand how the body adapts to training. Combined with nutritional education and consultation, the Advantage Program strives to prepare YSU athletes for success in and out of the sports arena.
The Penguin Advantage Program is centered in the weight room located on the second level of Stambaugh Stadium. The weight room is main home to all 18 intercollegiate athletic programs as well as general students. With 28,000 pounds of free weights and 8,000 pounds of dumbbells, 14,000 pounds of machine weights and a number of cardiovascular machines, the facility continues to be one of the best in FCS Football. The Beeghly Center weight room is located on the second floor of the arena down the court from the men's and women's basketball office suite. It features weight racks, free weights and other agility training and core workout machines.
The Advantage Program is directed by NSCA certified strength
coach Mike Cochran. Coach Cochran has developed comprehensive
year-long programs for all sports at YSU. With the help of a
graduate assistant and exercise science interns, he is able to
provide quality instruction and direction on an individual basis
for student athletes. 
In addition, Dr. Mohammed Shayesteh, a licensed sports nutritionist, provides advice and counseling to athletes in conjunction with their training programs. Coach Cochran and the strength and conditioning staff work closely with coaches and administrators to ensure that YSU athletes garner the best experience available.