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...
Had the opportunity to speak with Dan Pope of FitnessPainFree.com recently to discuss the Sumo Deadlift High Pull safety and effectiveness . The Sumo Deadlift High Pull (SDHP) is an often controversial exercise as the internally rotated, high elbow position seen at the top of the...
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...
Shoulder Internal Rotation ’s Impact on the Athlete and FitnessShoulder 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...
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked by the fitness athletes that I work with is how to improve overhead stability, as they feel weak during movements such as overhead squats, snatches, and jerks.For most of these athletes, a focus on strengthening the muscles...
The squat is a fundaments movement to athletic performance, but a shocking number of athletes demonstrate a faulty movement pattern during a squat. Frequently, mobility is to blame when quite commonly, motor control issues are often to blame. To learn how to determine if mobility...
Loaded carries are great for conditioning, rehabilitation, and stability work in individual's of all physical activity levels. Loaded carries can be easily scaled and the many loaded carry variations make it useful for almost anyone's training program.Recently, I did a #12daysofcarries campaign on my various...
As a sports physical therapist, it never ceases to amaze me how athletes can perform at high levels despite often times having huge deficits. One of the most frequent weaknesses I see in athletes is poor core control. Perhaps the two most frequent sets of...
Whether in the clinic or in the gym, on a daily basis people tell me they have tight hip flexors.They've seen a YouTube video about how tight hip flexors can cause problems or their local PT / Chrio / Massage Therapist has repeatedly told them that...
Sub-optimal glute activation 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 hip (glute) versus knee dominance in athletes. Analyzing...