July 2010 Blog Posts (35)

In a recent study in the JSCR: Effect of plyometric vs. dynamic weight training on the energy cost of running; researchers demonstrated that plyometrics had slightly superior effects on reductions in energy

cost of running compared with dynamic weight training, leading them to

render the conclusion that athletic development for the running athlete

should emphasize plyometric activities.

While I definitely agree with the thought process, my next question is,…

Polymer molecules in human tissue can resist bending forces similar to the bending elasticity of flexible beams.

This means the molecules linked together in your muscle tissue bend similarly to 2x4s!

A polymer is just a large molecule made by the covalent linking of multiple identical or similar monomers together.

Here’s a video demonstrating some "self help" strategies for improving upper body posture and mechanics. These tools are acceptable replacements for athletes who don’t have access to a qualified therapist or soft tissue specialist. They are all relatively inexpensive as well (even the Arm Aid, which is worth it’s weight in gold).

The implications of upper body restorative strategies should also be viewed "from…

If you’re going to open a sports performance facility in a small space, prepare to answer the question "but how do you train speed and agility"? Understandably, most athletes and parents expect turf, track lanes, and elaborate cone drills from their "speed and agility" resource. As you can see from our videos, we have neither of those luxuries (yet). Ironically, if there was one component of training that we believe sets our model apart from other…

First off, I really appreciate that you’re reading this article. "Regressing" is not a sexy way to begin a title. Most trainers want secrets, progressions, and new variations to "mix it up". Deciding to take a look at this entry shows you understand the importance of constructing a complete toolbox to provide appropriate exercise prescription to all of your athletes and clients. Thank you.

A little while ago I demonstrated how to…

This week we’re in for a treat. A few weeks back, I had the good fortune to spend a few hours with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ sports medicine and performance team. They’re an incredibly intelligent bunch

of guys who have a strong manual therapy basis, a command of DNS, and

how all of it fits together for baseball players. As DNS is a popular

topic as of late, I had Nate Shaw, their strength coach, put together

some thoughts on the basics of the DNS.

Nate will be a…

Colgate University Knows How to Train the Head and Neck Musculature of Their Athletes.

Here is the long awaited answer to the often debated, “Is 1 set enough to grow?”

Are you ready?

Here it comes:

Whether you can stimulate (significant) growth from one set, DEPENDS ON THE SET.

Those of you who like clear cut answers are probably disappointed. However, the answer is just common sense:

If your set is a 20 rep squat with your 10RM load, like in the SuperSquat routine, history has proven…

This summer many high school and college athletes have been coming to my clinic with a variety of injuries. Many of these injuries have occurred in the various gyms where these guys work out. Most of them have chosen, probably because of the bad economy, to work out on their own rather than attending a program where personal trainers and others can supervise.

Unfortunately, many of these athletes have been listening to the 'roid heads that hang out in these places....hence the…