Thoracic spine mobility is vital to optimal performance and execution of the overhead lifts, such as the snatch or overhead squat. But proper mobility requires more than just stretching the joints. It demands active control and stability throughout the full range of motion.  Use the following drills to not only improve your thoracic spine mobility but to help you own your...

I’m joined by Dan Pope of FitnessPainFree.com to discuss the Sumo Deadlift High Pull safety and effectiveness. The Sumo Deadlift High Pull (SDHP) is an often controversial exercise.  Many believe the internally rotated, high elbow position at the top of the movement to be a dangerous position. And they claim that can damage soft tissue structures. Sumo Deadlift High Pull Safety You...

Rhabdomyolysis is a rare medical condition that can result from intense physical exercise. When “rhabdo” occurs, severe muscle damage leads to the release of skeletal muscle contents into the plasma and can lead to serious medical problems, including death. While many fitness certifications address the need to screen for rhabdo, little information is available on getting back to CrossFit and...

Shoulder Internal Rotation ’s Impact on the Athlete and Fitness Shoulder internal rotation (IR) mobility is one of the most commonly restricted motions I see in fitness athletes. It is also one of the least self-treated areas by athletes. For the weightlifting/CrossFit populations, limited shoulder IR not only puts the shoulder at a potentially increased risk of injury, but it...

Your Don’t Have Tight Hip Flexors More than any other area in the body, athletes regularly tell me that they have tight hip flexors or pain in their hip flexors. Commonly this has been something they’ve self-diagnosed after watching a youtube video or reading a blog. Or maybe they’ve had a physical therapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist diagnose tight hip...

Sub-optimal glute strength is one of the most common faults I see in athletes. This can lead to a host of injuries as well as decreased performance. We’ve previously discussed using the push press as a test of the hip (glute) versus knee dominance in athletes. Analyzing an athlete’s movement while doing high rep push press’s will show their default...

The Truth About Squat Depth Here’s what you need to know Simply said, our Western society has lost the ability to squat. And no, just because you participate in CrossFit doesn’t leave you exempt from this list.  You are just as, if not more, likely to be injured during squat emphasized movement than nearly any other athlete. It’s generally accepted that knee...

Thoracic mobility is one of the most important areas for range of motion in the fitness athlete. The thoracic spine plays a huge role in keeping the shoulders and the lumbar spine working properly, and pain-free. To test thoracic spine mobility, I look at the rotation range of motion in each direction. This lets me know if there is a...

Recently built my own Functional Movement Screen kit after looking at buying a kit and feeling the cost was too high for its’ simplicity. Plus, I’ve seen the plastic version break a few times. I thought I’d share my plans for building a DIY FMS kit for a cheaper and more durable option for performing the Functional Movement Screen. Build...