My good friend and strength coach at Wisconsin, Ray Eady, sent me this video yesterday and it got me thinking a lot about mobility and how training has changed over the years. Do yourself a favor and watch the video first before continuing to read on.
That was pretty impressive stuff and goes to show you what the human body is capable of doing in terms of mobility and stability. If you don’t know, mobility is the quality of moving freely…the key word is MOVING! It is not static flexibility (length of a muscle), but rather relies on the CNS to control how much movement is available at each joint. Stability is the ability to control movement…it does not mean, no movement, but rather controlling motion.
Breakdancing was extremely big in the late 70′s and throughout the 80′s and goes to show you what the human body can do….or could do at that time. You don’t see breakdancing as much as you used to back then and could it be attributed to the sedentary nature of our lives these days???
I’ve been a strength and conditioning coach at the Division I level for about 12 years now and know for a fact that my programming has changed over that time. Most of it has changed to structure in more mobility work and emphasize corrective exercise – not only because I’ve learned more about it over time, but because simply our athletes these days NEED it to handle the demands that are placed upon them by the requirements of their sport. They need it to play but also to be healthy even when they’re playing days are done.
What exactly is corrective exercise?
As some love it, and some frown upon it. Corrective exercise simply is exercise that is designed to restore and improve in-efficient movement patterns. It can be drill that you do in your warmup or between sets of your heavier movements. It can be things you do on a recovery day or things that you prescribe as “extra work”, but the goal is the same; we should be looking to improve movement and the quality of it.
How do we know if a movement pattern is in-efficient?
We assess and watch our athletes and clients move. We as fitness professionals should have an understanding of what ideal biomechanics are – not everybody is going to be the same, but we should have a fundamental understanding of what’s good vs. bad. Pain is another sign of somebody possibly having a movement dysfunction. Assessments such as the FMS, or drills from Assess & Correct, gives us a reference point to where somebody is initially before training them. If we don’t know where we are, how can we know where we are going or how we are going to get there? Assessing is part of the testing protocol along with performance based testing such as power, strength, and conditioning.
Mobility and adhering to the Joint By Joint approach has become a bigger part of my programs and every year I see new freshman come into our program, it re-affirms the changes that I have put into my programs. We emphasize it in our pre-work before our warmups, in our warmups, in between sets of speed and power work and in between sets of our strength work. There are a number of methods that we will use as well: soft tissue work using lacrosse balls, sticks, cobblestone mats and foam rollers, dynamic flexibility, band work, isolated mobility, integrated mobility, isometrics, PNF techniques, and full range of motion resistance training.
As our society has changed and the athletes we see may have different issues that impair their quality of movement, we as fitness professionals have to address these issues to help prepare them to be successful in sport and life.
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This post is long overdue. The season has been extremely busy but finals just ended and hockey will have a bit of a break until after Christmas while each hoops team still has a game this week. The last couple weeks were filled with lots of games, workouts and preparing for the end of the semester. I haven’t been able to sit down and really digest a good book, but what I try to do is read some articles and one very good one is Why Shoes Make Normal Gait Impossible? This is a very good read about the effect that shoes has on the human body. This goes along with another great read by a good friend of mine, Art Horne, who put out a book on barefoot training, entitled Barefoot in Boston.
I also just picked up a copy of an outstanding book regarding gait from Dr. Thomas Michaud, called Human Locomotion. I’m excited to delve into this one as the topics in the table of contents really jump out at me. Dr. Michaud has published numerous book chapters and journal articles on a variety of subjects ranging from biomechanics of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and shoulder, to the pathomechanics and management of vertebral artery dissection. In 1993, Williams and Wilkins published Dr. Michaud’s first textbook, Foot Orthoses and Other Forms of Conservative Foot Care, which was eventually translated into four languages and continues to be used in physical therapy, chiropractic, pedorthic, and podiatry schools around the world. In addition to lecturing on clinical biomechanics internationally, Dr. Michaud has served on the editorial review boards for Chiropractic Sports Medicine and The Australasian Journal of Podiatric Medicine. Over the past 30 years, Dr. Michaud has maintained a busy private practice in Newton, Massachusetts, where he has treated thousands of elite and recreational runners.
Dr. Michaud is offering the book at the student price, which is $20 off the regular price of $100. That’s a great deal for a book that covers many gait related issues that plague so many athletes. You can pick up a copy at www.HumanLocomotion.org, when you click on “The book”, be sure to click the link asking for student pricing. I put the synopsis of the book that is on the back cover below if you want to find more info about the book.
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In the course of a year, more than 1.9 million runners will fracture at least one bone and approximately 50% will suffer some form of overuse injury that prevents them from running. Despite the widespread prevalence of gait-related injuries, the majority of health care practitioners continue to rely on outdated and ineffective treatment protocols emphasizing passive interventions, such as anti-inflammatory medications and rest.
With more than 1000 references and 530 illustrations, Dr. Michaud’s text on human locomotion presents a logical approach to the examination, assessment, treatment and prevention of gait-related injuries. Beginning with a complete review of the evolution of bipedality, this textbook goes on to describe the functional anatomy of each joint in the lower extremity, pelvis, and spine. This information is then related to normal and abnormal motions during the gait cycle, providing the most comprehensive description of human locomotion ever published.
Human Locomotion also discusses a wide range of conservative interventions, including a detailed guide to manual therapies, a complete review of every aspect of orthotic intervention, along with illustrated explanations of hundreds of rehabilitative stretches and exercises. The final chapter summarizes state-of-the-art, proven conservative treatment interventions, providing specific protocols for dozens of common gait-related injuries, including Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures and hamstring strains. Whether you are a chiropractor, physical therapist, pedorthist or podiatrist, this text provides practical information that will change the way you practice.
Here is a review of Charlie Weingroff’s Training=Rehab, Rehab=Training DVD set by up and coming strength and conditioning coach, Cheri Pearce. Cheri interned for me last spring, and then spent the past summer interning at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning. She came back as a volunteer this fall and is heading off to intern at Cressey Performance in January. She has been extremely busy but found time to review this DVD set that I can’t recommend enough. If you haven’t picked up this set yet, you are missing out. I’ll have a link after the review on where you can pick up a copy.
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At first glance of Charlie Weingroff’s DVD set I thought it was going to be beyond my scope of knowledge. Never judge a DVD by its cover. The first 10-15 minutes are Charlie in a nutshell. He is a WWE fan, Golf expert, fantasy sports participant and Green Lantern fanatic. He is human ladies and gentlemen, not just some ridiculously smart Physical Therapist/Strength and Conditioning Coach. He gives props to his influences such as, Gray Cook, Vladimir Janda, Shirley Sahrmann and Mike Boyle as the basis for his current philosophies on rehabilitation and training.
One point Weingroff makes clear, that no matter what field you presently reside, basic principles for the human body remain the same. This is why he is actively trying to bridge the gap of between the doctor, physical therapist and strength coach. He believes that each professional plays an integral part in the steps back to performance and encourages you to surround yourself with colleagues of similar conceptual belief systems.
Furthermore, Weingroff is not your typical boring classroom teacher. He is animated, passionate and accessible. His personality draws you in and keeps you wanting more. I found myself looking up articles he was referencing because I want to know what he knows. As I watched the lecture and practical based DVDs I was nodding in agreement with his ideas simply because they made sense. He easily explains difficult concepts in a way any one can understand. What I admire most about Charlie Weingroff, while his opinions are his own he will distinctly define what is fact and how he arrived at that conclusion because he has the knowledge to back it up. He truly wants you to be a better trainer, coach or therapist and that comes through on the DVDs.
Cheri
My good friend and one of the best Strength & Conditioning Coaches in the industry, Eric
Cressey and I go way back. We were at UCONN together for grad school and I like to think that I helped him get really into strength and conditioning when he came to volunteer in the varsity weight room. He’s someone who’s been great to bounce things off of and learn from and he just put together an awesome video detailing why you’re not:
:: Getting Stronger
:: Getting Leaner
:: Adding Muscle
:: Becoming More Athletic
You can check it out here:
Eric is one of the most respected coaches in the world and works with over 70 professional athletes, including Major League All-Stars. He also is a regular contributor to Men’s Health, has been featured in ESPN and Yahoo Sports, has written/created
best-selling books and DVDs, and is one of the world’s most sought-after experts on performance training.
With many of Eric’s clients having millions of dollars on the line based on their performance and him only having a few months each year to maximize their results, he’s made a science of studying what holds people back from getting stronger, leaner and more athletic in a hurry…and he’s found one limiting factor that is the difference between a training program’s failure and success 99% of the time…and he share it on this video:
If you want to get more out of your training, there may be no more important video that you will ever watch than this one:
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I recently did an audio interview with Kyle Newell over at www.newellstrength.com which has some really good training information along with some other interviews from other prominent coaches.
Check it out here and just scroll down the page or you can download it here.
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This past week, I had the pleasure of reviewing Craig Liebenson’s new 3 DVDs. These are a precursor to his Functional Training Handbook that will be coming out in early 2012. The book is a must have as the line-up of co-authors is out of this world. I had the privilege of being asked to contribute to this book and was floored by the request. I’m very excited to be able to take a look at the final product when it comes out.
Back to the DVDs…Dr. Liebenson is one of the leading specialists when it comes to back pain and resolving this troublesome issue that so many people experience. He has been published on numerous occasions as well as being asked to speak at a number of worldwide events. He has a great blog that you can follow here.
His new DVDs are Core Stability Training DVD, Flexibility, Yoga Training and Ergonomic Postural Advice DVD, and Functional Performance DVD. These 3 are quite different but similar at the same time. All three give you insight in Dr. Liebenson’s thought process when it comes to restoring health, improving flexibility, improving posture and improving performance. The exercises that Dr. Liebenson shows cover everything from breathing assessments, to core stability training and even plyometric training. The progressions are well thought out and give the viewer exercises that they can include into their current clients and athletes programs immediately. The best part of this DVD set is that Dr. Liebenson just doesn’t show you the exercises, but common errors, what to look for and teaches you why they should not be left out in your programs.
I recommend these to any athletic trainer, physical therapist, strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer looking to give those that they work with every opportunity to become better.
You can pick them up at the following links:
Functional Performance Training DVD
Flexibility, Yoga Training, and Ergonomic Postural Advice DVD
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One of my interns, John McGuinness, is very into minimalist shoes and I thought he would be able to give some great feedback on Art Horne’s new book, Barefoot in Boston. This is an awesome read and will benefit many different professions. After reading the review, check out the link to pick up this product!
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How are those stylish, expensive, high heeled training sneakers treating you? Have you been experiencing pain in your low back, calves, ankles, hips, and/or knees? Well, the problem may be reduced by something less complicated than we think. By transitioning from these modern sneakers into something more minimalist, we may be able to alleviate these lingering pains one at a time. Yes, that means you will have to give up those Sketchers Shape Ups, because they are definitely not the answer to your problems, they are more than likely the cause!
Contrary to popular belief, today’s “advanced” sneakers can actually decrease your performance and increase your likelihood of injury. I don’t know about you, but paying for overpriced sneakers that can have a negative impact doesn’t sound appealing to me!
Art Horne, a great guy, and one of the most knowledgeable minds in the athletic training/strength and conditioning world, recently released his book, Barefoot in Boston, that covers the above topics, and many others in great detail.
Art reviews some of the history of barefoot running/training, how we are supposed to heel strike when walking/running, how we should take a step-by-step approach to wearing minimalist footwear, and how making this change will take some time. In addition, he looks at how our feet are optimally developed when barefoot, not in sneakers that can cause weakness and a loss of mobility. The potential benefits of abandoning the use of today’s high-heeled shoes are well worth the wait. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!
If you are interested in making the switch, a detailed progression is included that will help you transition from wearing modern cross trainers to minimalist footwear, and eventually to being barefoot.
There aren’t many detailed studies on the topic of barefoot training, but Art does a great job of explaining the research that is out there and how it will all benefit us over time.
I have been reading Art’s blog (www.bsmpg.com) for quite some time now, and have attended two of the great seminars he has organized, and I always come away with a ton of useful information. Barefoot in Boston is more of the same, and if you want to perform better and decrease the likelihood of injury, I suggest you pick up a copy today!
John McGuinness
You know those fancy, air-filled, arch-cushioned, expensive-as-hell sneakers that you buy to enhance your performance? Well, what if we told you they were most likely not only decreasing your performance, but increasing your likelihood of injury? You would probably call us crazy.
Barefoot training has recently become popularized as a potential benefit in injury rehabilitation programs. It is also purported to serve as an additional means of injury prevention and to enhance athletic performance. However, limited clinical research is currently available to justify this practice and even less information is available describing how one may go about safely implementing a barefoot training program. My good friend, Art Horne, explores the scientific and theoretical benefits concerning the merits of barefoot training in this book and offers real life solutions and alternatives to all the things separating you and your feet from mother earth, including examples of specific programs and training progressions. By the time you are through with this book, you will be part of the movement and your feet will be on their way to a happier, healthier version of their formerly miserable selves.
Art is a professional that I have alot of respect for. He practices what he preaches and is continuously looking for better ways to help his athletes and staff. He brings in the best speakers to his annual conference (www.bsmpg.com) and refines his skills. Barefoot training is something that Art is very passionate and knowledgeable about. Through his passion, he wishes to share his experiences and what he has learned. You will not be disappointed with this book (also available on the kindle).
Welcome to Barefoot in Boston.
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I’ve got some outstanding news for all of you who attend conferences. One of the premier conferences this season is being put on by an outstanding group, the Boston Sports Medicine Performance Group. The group is headed by a good friend of mine, Art Horne. Art has been hosting these conferences for the past 5 years and this years is by far the biggest and best line-up of speakers.
Famously uttered by Sir Isaac Newton,
“If I can see further than anyone else, it is only because I am standing on the shoulders of giants.”
What Newton meant was simply by taking advantage of all those that had made discoveries prior was he able to make the significant impact that he did at that time. BSMPG has invited the titans of Sports Medicine and Performance to Boston for an upcoming conference June 3-4, 2011.
Dr. Shirley Sahrmann, Tom Myers, Clare Frank, Charlie Weingroff and Pete Viteritti will serve as keynote speakers for this event which runs alongside specialized breakout sessions with Giants from the fields of Basketball Training, Hockey Training and Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
NEW! By popular request, This conference will feature 3 individual tracks of study to choose from (Basketball, Hockey, and Sports Medicine / Rehabilitation), with our keynote speakers tying each track together.
- Attendees may choose one particular focus along with lectures from each keynote speaker OR may mix and match speakers and lectures througout the day to best suit their interest and educational needs.
Art has also offered a special savings only available for readers of SB Coaches College. He knows that our readers care about their education and are invested in making themselves better coaches and practitioners. He’s offered a savings of $50 on the registration! This is an incredible offer for what’s going to be an OUTSTANDING CONFERENCE. There will be great opportunity for networking and learning as there tends to be many high end coaches and trainers that always attend.
If you haven’t decided on which conference you are going to attend this season, this is the one you NEED to be at. Hopefully this coupon makes the decision that much easier for you…you will not be disappointed in the knowledge and information you will gain.
and Register here
I hope to see you all there and here’s some video highlights from last years conference.
and 2009′s
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