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These short metabolic training bursts combines two of my favorites for developing explosiveness, ground based stability (especially for offensive linemen), and functional strength. Combine this series with a 40 yard sprint and repeat for 5 rounds.Offensive Lineman Plate Punch: Assume O-Line staggered stance with solid upper body posture. Produce explosive punch with plate, while maintaining abdominal strength. Hip Drive...
Functional Strength for Time Stapped Athletes 1.0
Ground based movements, which position the athlete in either a sprinter stance, a ready stance (Linebacker position), or a split stance lunge position, are vitally important for developing stability through the lower body, core strength, and control through the transverse plane. Movements that incorporate contralateral pushing and pulling are advanced, enhance postural integrity, have high metabolic requirements, and use time...
Strength and Conditioning for the Downhill Skier (Part 1)
Temperatures are crisp, leaves are falling, and there is a scent of winter in the air. Die-hard skiers are making plans to head to the mountains over the next few months. In order to maximize your performance on the slopes and minimize injury, you need specialized ski preparation. According to US Ski Coach J. Karlsson, to ski with great intensity, the...
Strength and Conditioning for the Downhill Skier (Part 2)
When I am training downhill skiers, I make sure to address the following components to ensure a successful and fun ski season: Strength: Renowned sports physiologist Steven Plisk describes how elite downhill skiers have “exceptional strength in the extensors of the foot, leg, thigh, and trunk” (1). These skiers also tend to be mesomorphs with dense, powerful muscles and bones, as...
“It’s All in the Hips!”: Your guide to healthy and powerful hips
The hip complex is the primary link in the lower extremity kinetic chain. It is comprised of major muscle groups and dense bony structures that are responsible for making powerful muscular contractions, maintaining pelvic balance while walking and running, and for integrating the torso with the lower body. Accordingly, the hips can perform multi planar motions including flexion (high knee...
Overview of ACL Injury Prevention Training
Injury prevention training integrates strength training, proprioception (sensing your knee's orientation in space relative to other body parts), joint stability, flexibility, and producing controlled neuromuscular patterns for jumping, landing, and cutting. Naturally, the preseason approach for an NFL lineman will be different than that of a recreational skier or soccer player. Addressing the biomecahnics involved, individual sports, or individual techniques...
Injury Prevention Primer: Rotator Cuff
Pitchers, volleyball players, swimmers, and tennis players are all at risk for some form of rotator cuff pathology. An injury prevention program should integrate strength, flexibility, postural control, remedial exercises, strengthening the lower and middle trapezius muscles, general conditioning of the torso and hips, as well as teaching sound throwing mechanics. Other issues such as age, previous injuries, off season...
Injury Prevention Training: Who needs it?
The last 10 years of my life has been devoted to training high performing individuals, predominantly competitive athletes, helping them move more efficiently, compete with greater intensity, and build top level speed, strength, and durability. I am passionate about this area and enjoy helping friends and clients achieve their goals.The fields of sports training and rehabilitation sciences have advanced in...