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March 2016

Balance

March 07, 2016
MAK_ZercherHow much strength it too much? I think it would be any strength goal that overshadows other abilities. Too big of a Bench; too big of a Squat, too flexible but weak as a kitten; even too big of a Biceps Curl. You probably know someone who is (grossly) out of balance. You know who I'm talking about - the guys with the big arms and pecs and skinny little legs! What good will that big bench/deadlift/squat do for you if you rack up injuries that are going to destroy your quality of life in your 60's/70's/80's and beyond?

Anyway - strength goals need to be balanced and should be a lifelong endeavor that ultimately adds quality and years to your life. Someone once said that "strong people are harder to kill" and I'd have to agree. I'm not sure if it's physical or mental strength that's the key, but I feel that the pursuit of physical strength will give you mental strength as well.

Longevity is one of the reasons to make sure that you have balanced and well thought out strength goals. If you practice Yoga and can do the "Flying Camel with Hemorrhoids" pose (but can't do a strict push-up), or if you can run the "Dirty Death Race 2016" but you can't do a single pull-up or touch your toes - I think you've got a problem!

Are you working on getting strong while remaining "agile, mobile and hostile"? Thinking of getting strong as being part of a long-term goal to enjoy life to its fullest should be an integral part of the athlete's planning process... not a sermon, just a thought!

 

Posted at 06:00 AM | | Comments (0)

Gluteal Amnesia - A Worldwide Epidemic!

March 04, 2016

GlutesYou won't hear about it on the news or read about in on your Yahoo newsfeed, but Gluteal Amnesia is being experienced around the world. The number of people afflicted by this condition is astounding and can affect careers and ruin relationships. If you are a coach, trainer, or even a physical therapist, you have seen the devastation that Gluteal Amnesia can inflict on the body. The cure is out there, and it's within the grasp of all that are afflicted, but still people suffer needlessly.

So what is Gluteal Amnesia?  In technical terms (big words to follow) it's when you can't find your a$$ with two hands, a flashlight and a map!  Seriously!  There are people walking around this very moment, and some of them are highly trained athletes, who have no idea how to use the biggest muscle in their body: the Gluteus Maximus. They make all kind of crazy accommodations to avoid fully engaging their Glutes and their athletic performance suffers for it.  Don't think this is something that only afflicts athletes because young and old all have the same problem.

My good friend Dan John (a world renowned strength and conditioning coach, author, lecturer, and man around town) just wrote a post for the RKC Blog on just this subject.  While he calls it Gluteal Amnesia Syndrome or G.A.S. (Damn! I wish I had thought of that!?!?) we are talking about the same thing.  Maybe we should have a telethon and Dan could emcee it.  I'm sure he'd look dashing in a tuxedo with a microphone in one hand and a tumbler of scotch in the other... :)

Posted at 06:00 AM | | Comments (0)