"KNOWLEDGE-BASED FITNESS"
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Fitness Center Machines

Fitness Center Machines
 
 
People of all ages purchase memberships to their local gyms in order to gain strength and improve function.  However, is the fitness center training equipment optimal to gain strength and function?  While functional movement requires stability, balance and control at multiple joints simultaneously, most of the gym machines restrict motion to one joint and provide an external, "artificial" stability throughout the movement.  
The Smith Machine stabilizes the body so that you do not have to control the descent/ascent in any other direction but up and down.  Forward and Backward sway is limited and controlled by the machine.  This minimizes proprioceptive integration when training
 
The Smith Machine for Bench Press helps develop the chest.  However the shoulder stabilizers are not working optimally during this movement because the stability is provided by the machine. So you gain pectoral strength without foundational stability
Same as the Bench Press, the machine takes over for the shoulder and scapula stabilizers as you are only moving the weight up and down.  You are not responsible for lateral or anterior/posterior control of the weight
The Leg Extension Machine helps develop the Quadriceps Muscles.  However there is little  carryover into functional tasks such as getting up from a chair.  And if you do not line your knee joint up with the machine's axis of rotation, you are just asking for a knee injury.
 
 To improve function and athleticism, your goal is to mimic the required activity as closely as possible.  Avoid single joint movements in which the stability is provided by an external machine.  You want to maximize proprioception and body awareness by controlling your own balance, movement and stability at multiple joints.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Knee Mechanics: Down and In

Knee Mechanics: Down & In

Watching your client's jumping mechanics can tell you a great deal and potentially help you prevent or recover from knee injury.


This athlete presents with a "down and in" motion of both lower extremities upon jump and landing.
 
What does this tell you?
1. Your client may have overly pronated ankles or flat feet possibly due to tight gastrocnemius, soleus or subtalar joint
2.  Your client may have a tight Ilio-tibial band or Tensor Fascia Latae musculature
3.  Your client may have weak gluteus medius

How do you work with this client?
1.  Stretch the gastrocnemius and soleus
2.  Stretch the ITB/TFL and use a foam roller for deep massage
3.  Strengthen the posterior Glute Medius with clamshell or prone figure four exercises
4.  Practice the intended motion with proper technique...Work the movement pattern and the muscle timing will follow

Join www.kbfitnessonline.com for follow along rehab exercises and workouts for common knee problems

Saturday, September 3, 2011

P.R.F.C.T. ("PERFECT") TECHNIQUES: UPPER EXTREMITY BIAS

KB FITNESS or Knowledge Based Fitness presents P.R.F.C.T. (PERFECT) Techniques, which stands for Post Rehab Fitness Circuit Training Techniques.  These explanatory videos offer information for trainers and their clients on the how-to and functional benefits of many exercises, in order to guide their progression and prevent and/or recover from injuries.

The following video is the Nabard Long Device Lateral Thrust. 
http://youtu.be/_5tghrO5bQA


There are many benefits of this exercise, as it is a full body technique.  However, it is especially good for the upper extremity, including strengthening the shoulder, forearm, wrist and hand (grip).  This exercise provides:

1) Scapula Stabilization:  You must maintain isometrically retracted scapula when performing this, or else you risk causing shoulder injuries.  Scapular retraction is a major posture component.  So this technique will benefit posture and those clients recovering from shoulder injuries. 

2) Grip strength: With the offset handle of the device, you are forced to grip it tightly in order to control it.  Read the prior blog post on grip strength, irradiation and the homunculus for more details.  This movement also works on hand coordination and speed, as you transition from gripping the device to releasing the device frequently.

3)Core/Trunk rotation: As you increase speed of trunk rotation, you demand more from your core to control the rotation.  You should not allow the device to create rotation of your trunk.  Your trunk is what propels the device.  Maintaining core recruitment throughout the entire motion will protect your spine.

4) Dynamic stretch of the psoas: The psoas muscle is a hip flexor and is commonly tight in people with lower back issues.  When performing this exercise, the leg you are pushing off (the trailing leg) finishes in full hip extension with a gluteal contraction.  This maintains flexibility of the psoas.  If someone has a tight, symptomatic psoas/lower back, they may stop short of full hip extension and even hyperextend their lower back in order to complete the movement.  Watch for these compensations and correct them.  The hip drive you perform with this "trailing" leg during trunk rotation is a common motion in many sports.  As you become accustomed to the movement, increase the amount of hip drive.  This is a great technique to include in a athletes training program.

5) Foot speed: You must be able to adjust your weight distribution from 1 leg to the other frequently, rapidly, and safely to perform this technique.  As the demand on the upper body changes, the weight distribution on the lower extremities must also adjust in order to maintain balance and efficiency. 

So, give it a try.  Keep the upper points in mind throughout, and always move with P.E.R.F.E.C.T. Technique. 

Please help me provide you with valuable information:
1.  For those reading this blog, what type of information would be of interest to you in a rehab/fitness blog or website? 
2. What would you like to learn as a fitness/rehab professional or as someone recovering from an injury?
Questions, comments or requests, please contact me at: nicparm7777@aol.com

Join this blog to continue receiving fitness and rehab educational information

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Multi-Angle Deadlift

Simple exercise to set up, all you need is 4 cones and possibly a kettlebell (challenging with no weight also). 
Click below for the video
 
Tips to remember:
-HIP HINGE!!! Do not bend through the lower back segments
-Maintain body weight on the posterior aspect of your foot (heel)
-Keep your hip bones facing forward (minimal rotation)

Functional Values:
-Glute Recruitment for lower back stability
-Core engagement
-Single leg balance
-Ankle and knee stability
-Acceleration/Deceleration pattern for sports
-Kinesthesia for the lower body

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZO1ZUjyntU

Enjoy,

Nick