GymAware powers PLNU Sports Science: From classroom to weight room

A group of students and professionals sit on turf flooring inside a modern training facility, listening to a speaker standing beside a whiteboard filled with notes. Weight racks, barbells, and gym equipment line the room as the presenter gestures while leading an instructional session.

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is advancing sports science and strength and conditioning through its partnership with GymAware, the global leader in velocity based training (VBT) technology. Trusted by scientists, researchers, and athletes worldwide, GymAware is used across major league teams, top universities, high schools, and world-class training facilities.

All strength and conditioning programs at PLNU Athletics now use GymAware FLEX, giving students and athletes precise, data-driven feedback to optimize performance. In addition, PLNU’s research lab employs GymAware RS systems, often called the Rolls Royce of VBT, for graduate-level capstone and thesis projects within the MSKIN program. This allows students to translate theory into measurable results in real-world training environments.

PLNU is also collaborating with GymAware and ANCORE on the Data Plate, a new technology that brings VBT measurement to cable training movements. Through this partnership, PLNU students are piloting research on rotational movements, gaining practical experience in VBT applications while generating actionable data for the university’s industry partners.

“There is more to GymAware than just velocity-based training.” said Dr. Antonio Squillante, lead faculty for the initiative. “Being able to accurately measure bar velocity has opened the door to a number of different avenues in research—from athlete monitoring to program design and testing. GymAware has set the standard for accuracy and reliability in velocity-based training. Working closely with their team has elevated the quality of our research and created valuable learning opportunities for our students as they prepare for careers in strength and conditioning and sport science.”

In an industry inundated with unvalidated products that can produce misleading data with serious consequences, PLNU partners with GymAware to produce high-quality research and advance the field of strength and conditioning.

About Point Loma Nazarene University

The Strength and Conditioning Program at Point Loma Nazarene University prepares students to become evidence-driven, ethically grounded professionals in athletic performance, as well as sport and tactical strength and conditioning. This program equips graduates to enhance human movement and physical performance through advanced training methodologies grounded in biomechanics, physiology, and sport science. Rooted in PLNU’s Christian values, the program emphasizes character, service, and leadership—preparing graduates to serve diverse populations with purpose and compassion.

About GymAware

GymAware delivers world-class VBT solutions and is widely recognised as the gold standard in the field. GymAware RS and FLEX systems enable coaches and athletes at all levels to measure and track strength training in the weight room. Trusted by elite teams, professional athletes, and researchers worldwide, GymAware provides reliable performance monitoring that supports smarter training and optimises results across a wide range of sports. Learn more here.