Many athletes and clients struggle with hamstring muscle activation. A normal quad to hamstring ratio would be 3:2, but studies often find that subjects tend to be closer to 2:1 (especially females). This... View More
Training the core in multiple positions is advantageous for many reasons. I like to work in half-kneeling using various modes of resistance to improve pillar strength. This exercise covers a half-kneeling... View More
This exercise involves a variation using an isometric RDL and upper body rowing motion. Single-leg stability and trunk control is an integral part of optimal sport performance and running. More importantly,... View More
I utilize the single leg Romanian deadlifts (RDL) in my dynamic movement prep routines, lower extremity rehab and as part of performance training. It can be effectively used to increase mobility, stability,... View More
The shoulder mobility screen in the FMS often reveals side-to-side asymmetries. It is more common to see hypermobility in female clientele, while their male counterparts exhibit more hypomobility. Overhead... View More
The active straight leg raise (ASLR) assessment (as part of the FMS) is an essential part of any assessment I do on my athletes and runners. It provides a great look at a client's ability to stabilize... View More
The next 3-4 columns will focus on the 10 in one Platform Trainer by TAG Fitness. This exercise demonstrates how to increase upper body pulling strength in a suspended fashion. The design of this equipment... View More
The hurdle step assessment (as part of the FMS) is designed to challenge the body's proper stepping and stride mechanics as well as stability & control in single leg stance. The step leg must perform ankle... View More
The in-line lunge allows for the observer to pick on flawsor asymmetry by placing the body in a narrow stance with a wide stride toassess hip, knee, ankle and foot mobility and stability of the client.... View More
There is a lot of focus on movement in rehab and training circles these days. I believe that as a very good thing and routinely incorporate the FMS in my programming as part of my client movement assessments.... View More
Hamstring flexibility is often lacking in many clients, especially adolescent males and runners. While there is often soft tissue tightness present, limited hip flexormobility also contributes to the often... View More
Really, it's ok if they go. I know it's never easy for us to see our clients go for whatever reason; albeit the end of the month, the end of a training package, or even the dreaded words uttered by any... View More
All effective prehab and rehab programs for athletes should build in single leg stability exercises. I like to use sliding exercises as one way to improve neuromuscular control of the core, hip and knee.... View More
It is always preferable to include exercises that activatethe gluteus maximus and medius in training programs. Research has shown that poor hipactivation/control leads to frontal plane knee collapse and... View More
Overhead shoulder mobility is a concern for those participating in Olympic lifting, Crossfit and overhead sports. A common issue that restricts full elevation and may lead to shoulder dysfunction is tightness... View More
Improving posterior shoulder mobility will help reduce shoulder impingement, improve posture and maximize shoulder health. Tightness often develops in overhead athletes or in response to faulty posture... View More
If I have learned anything at all about the nature of personal trainers during my many years in the fitness industry, it is that those of us who choose to stick with it for the long haul do so because... View More
Training clients to maintain core stiffness in athletic functional positions will improve performance and reduce injury risks for the spine and lower extremities. This exercise is an effective way to address... View More
Improving pillar/torso strength should be a primary aim for all fitness programs. Utilizing neutral spine core work to minimize unwanted shear force on the lumbar spine is a safer and often more effective... View More
