If your intention is to gain usable strength, power, speed then you need to emphasise exercises, drills, movements that involve purposeful (compound, multi-joint, functional) actions performed against appropriate levels of resistance to promote strength, power, develop speed. Simple. Equally simple is that the only real requirement from the facility/space you train in is that is conveniently located and provides the tools you need.
We recommend using your own bodyweight, crosscore180 (to emphasise rotational movement), kettlebells, sandbags and any other tool that demands mindful, purposeful, DYNAMIC movement against adequate resistance. Where you do it is irrelevant. This under armour promo video uses a space that appears to have a fantastic atmosphere, a no nonsense location. There’s still alot of junk in this yard but amongst the junk there is all that is required. It is true that you could achieve the same in less space, with less kit, and without the rust but the video is worth a look…..
Increasingly athletes are being seen with bright coloured tape on their bodies, this is kinesiology tape. It is a light elastic tape that can be used for helping with musculoskeletal problems which can arise from overuse injuries, muscle strains or spasms, and swelling. Properties that make the tape appealing to athletes is its elasticity in that it moves with the body, so athletes feel very comfortable with it on.
Kinesiology tape is not a new concept and therapists have been using it for several years however its benefits to sports people are only now being fully appreciated. A big step has been the ability for athletes to buy the tape and apply it themselves; this is where kinesiology tape comes into its own. Unless you are fortunate enough to be a professional athlete it’s unlikely you have access to a sports physio 24/7, so the tape allows you to take control and manage the problem yourself.
The elastic nature of the tape allows it to be applied over and around muscles, ligaments and tendons in order to provide lightweight and comfortable support in order to prevent injury and speed recovery or healing. It can provide mechanical support for joints such as the knee or the ankle and alleviate stress on connective tissue, it can also provide feedback to the nervous system to facilitate or inhibit muscle function.
As a therapist I have seen the benefits of using the tape for several years however I am now delighted to see the tape more widely available as its true power lies in its ability to empower the athlete to take control of their problem and continue to perform.
KT Tape have launched a new Synthetic Kinesiology tape that we have been using for the last few weeks. The feedback from our physios and clients has been over overwhelmingly positive. This quote from one of our clients says it all:
“This tape is a billion times better. Still got the same tape on that you applied. Shower with it, sleep with it and any type of clothing rubbing on it, lifting or any of it coming loose!! Its amazing!!
Both Physios and clients alike have found that the tape is easy to apply it sticks really well and it supports the body better. While it is a little more expensive than ordinary KT Tape the early results show its worth it.
If you want to buy the tape but are unsure of how to apply it call us on 020 7627 2308 and ask to speak to Scott who will be happy to apply the tape for you and show you how to use it.
Winston Gordon the current GB Judo number one in the middleweight division and one of Balance’s Olympic Ambassadors has just been featured in the Telegraph!
The Balance team have now worked with Winston for over ten years and have helped him return from several potentially career ending injuries. We are still working very closely with Winston to reach 2012.
As Winston says himself:
“Balance is a great asset and an excellent team to work with. I would recommend them to anyone who has sustained a sports injury. I thank them all for all their help and support in enabling me to pursue my Olympic dream”
Balance has been teaching its clients how to use Kettlebells since 2003. Back then there was only one Certification workshop to attend and that was the RKC created by Pavel Tsatsouline and Dragon Door which I did in 2004. Things are VERY different now with an abundance of workshops, kettlebell businesses and trainer certifications available but for those not completely informed appreciating the difference in quality is not an easy task.
Balance Performance has a strong alliance with Steve Cotter and the IKFF. Steve Cotter is one of the worlds best teachers of kettlebells, strength, conditioning and fitness and the IKFF organisation he heads up continues to provide the worlds best certification that allows Personal Trainers, coaches and serious lifters to spend 2 days focussed on achieving fluid and efficient dynamic resistance training with the kettlebell. My Mad Methods reposted the article “Explanations from the Source: Why Should You Choose IKFF?” written by Steve Cotter to help people understand what it is they should be looking for in a kettlebell workshop.
For 1-2-1 Kettlebell tuition in London from a Certified Kettlebell Teacher at Balance Performance book a session with Svetlana (also RKC), CJ, or Jonathan.
CrossCore® and Mad Dogg Athletics announce strategic alliance to bring Rotational Bodyweight Training to the UK fitness Industry. CrossCore® Europe has just launched the new CrossCore® Rotational Bodyweight Training (RBT) and European Education Programme. The RBT programme is a 1-Day, 6-hour course worth 6 Continued Education Credits through ISSA and has been designed for personal trainers, gym instructors, sports or strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists and other healthcare and fitness professionals.
Sports rehabilitation and physiotherapy specialists Balance Performance in London are the main UK distributors of the CrossCore® Rotational Bodyweight Training Systems™. They are working in conjunction with Crosscore® Europe’s Head Trainers Rannoch Donald and Andy McKenzie to deliver the Training and Education Programme (TEP) to teach rotational bodyweight training across the UK, Ireland and to develop it further across Europe, Middle East and North Africa.
WHEN: Launch event for the media on Wednesday 25th April at 12.00-1.30pm and 1.45-3.30pm
TO ATTEND THE EVENT: Contact Scott Morris 07760414944, scott@balancephysio.com MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Contact Henman Communications on 07810 448782 / rph@henmancom.com
For the full press release please click on the link below.
Always a pleasure to meet up with Cassidy Phillips and talk TPT, movement preparation, in-session use of TPT to enhance physical training performance, and recovery/regeneration: An hour spent over a coffee with Cassidy is incredibly educational. Was great to hear about the ongoing development of Trigger Point Performance programming and how the concept continues to evolve as he explores the impact of Myofascial Compression Techniques on movement efficiency. Excellent to hear how he is drawing on the work of Gil Hedley and Thomas Myers, and enjoyed putting my own experiences/observations in teaching movement, resilience and how to adopt habits for soft tissue health in to the mix. Having the opportunity to spend time with people like Cassidy is essential for professional development but its also reassuring when you realise your own ideas are converging with forward thinking individuals like Cassidy.
Cassidy mentioned a podiatrist called Dr. Emily Splichal who he has worked with recently who now features Trigger Point Performance techniques within her Barefoot Training Specialist courses. Here’s some words from her after they worked together at IDEA Personal Trainer Insitute.
“I had a great experience at this past weekend’s IDEA Personal Trainer Institute. This was the first time that Cassidy and I introduced our new Foot & Lower Leg course to the Fitness Industry – and the reception was awesome! To have the balance between a strong myofascial technique and the science behind foot and anke dysfunction was like no other class out there.
As a health professional, MCT has completely changed my approach to patient care and corrective exercise technqiue to improve foot function, lower extremity alignment and movement dysfunction. I have conducted research on MCT and have seen improved weight distribution patterns, ankle mobility and power output immediately after performing MCT.
Because of the effectiveness of MCT I have integrated this technqiue into my barefoot training programming and Barefoot Training Specialist® courses on behalf of the Evidence Based Fitness Academy. MCT is just the first step in building true foot strength and optimal foot function. Through my Barefoot Training Specialist® courses I have developed the only barefoot training programs to address the unique imbalances of the many foot types.
To find an upcoming Barefoot Training Specialist® course please visit www.ebfafitness.com”
-Dr. Emily Splichal
You can follow Emily on Twitter @EBFAFitness. Looking forward to seeing Cassidy again at FIBO where i will be, briefly, with CrossCore USA
Of course at Balance Performance we have a team of forward thinking professionals who share the desire that clients should aspire more for themselves, to gain knowledge and know how to use their own body and simple tools to take care of themselves and develop sustainable resilience. Trigger Point Performance Therapy is a great example of a set of tools we endeavour to teach our clients to use effectively. Tools without proper education limit their effectiveness dramatically.
Latest video out of CrossCore USA showing diverse uses of CrossCore 180 and rotational bodyweight training. From simple rotational resistance training using CrossCore180 like a functional training tower to extreme rotational training with rotational dips and planches.
Balance Performance Physiotherapy is seeking to recruit two dynamic sports physiotherapists on a part time basis. The ideal candidates will have extensive experience of working in sport, have achieved or be working towards an MSc and experience of the private sector. Acupuncture, manipulation skills and a high degree of competency in taping and rehabilitation would also be an advantage. Candidates would be expected to work some weekends and evenings.
Balance offers its staff a dynamic working environment that allows its therapists all the tools required to fully rehabilitate their clients, a comprehensive CPD program and ultimately the opportunity to be part of one of the most experienced multi-disciplinary teams in the UK.
If you would like to apply please send your CV and a brief covering letter to Scott Morris, Performance Director, Balance Performance Physiotherapy, London, SW4 6LE email scott@balancephysio.com. If you have any questions about the role please call Scott on 07760414944. The vacancy will close once sufficient applications have been received so please apply as soon as you can.
Barefoot Running is controversial. I’ve heard it said of barefoot running that “it’s unnatural!”, some in the running press, amongst physios and sports therapists feel that its a recipe for sports injuries, particularly around the ankle and achilles tendon. On the other hand proponents feel barefoot running reduces risks of chronic injuries, increases running efficiency and economy.
The truth is often found floating around in the middle ground -possibly in a pair of minimalist shoes? This is why at Balance Performance we work with runners of every persuasion and background, whether they intend to run barefoot or get back in cushioned controlled trainers. Whether you see one of the sports injury team, have a running analysis, running specialist podiatrist Mick Habgood or Vivobarefoot coach Naeem Akram – the running engineer – our professional team’s intention is to see runners return to running pain free, with improved movement efficiency, heightened body awareness and on the path to greater resilience.
Anyway for those who havent heard of it “Born to Run”by Chris McDougal is a book to be found on the shelves of all proponents of minimalist support footwear and barefoot running. See the review below.
Interest in Ultradistance races is also increasing. One such race is the Spartathlon a 153-mile overnight trail run and author Robin Harvie who completed it explains the part it played in his running obsession.
Sports journalist Simon Lewis@SiLew of the Irish Examiner reviewed both:
BOOK REVIEW Why We Run: A Story of Obsession, by Robin Harvie; 2011, John Murray; £12.99
Born To Run, by Christopher McDougall; 2009, Profile Books; £8.99
At the core of Harvie’s book is an interesting and at times absorbing memoir of a man who ran his first marathon for a bet and became an ultra-distance runner, prepared to clock up 6,000 miles of training in order to compete in the toughest footrace on the planet.
That race is the Spartathlon, a 152-mile annual retracing of the route taken by foot messenger Pheidippides from Athens to Sparta to beg the Spartans to join the Athenians in battle against the invading Persians at Marathon. Harvie’s recounting of that experience is a welcome climax to a book that otherwise loses its footing in deep ruts of over-analysis.
Harvie’s perspective on running is not necessarily representative. Like him, many do seek to confront their demons by pounding the roads and trails, but plenty more run to escape problems, raise money for good causes or just because they enjoy it.
Which makes “Why We Run” a presumptious title. Why ‘I’ Run might be more suitable.
By stark contrast, McDougall’s 2009 “Born To Run” casts the obsessive nature of runners in a completely different light. With McDougall there is joy and humour, humility and reward as the former war correspondent goes on the trail of a hidden Mexican tribe of virtually barefooted super athletes.
This account focuses on a social dropout and running obsessive and his seemingly misguided bid to bring the world’s best ultra runners to the isolated villages of Mexico’s Copper Canyons for a fifty-mile race against the Tarahumara Indians. Not only that, in the process it manages to explore the reasons behind mankind’s ancient urge to quickly put one foot in front of the other and do so with warmth and affection for the subject. Epic, inspiring and exhilirating.
See below for Christopher McDougal TED lecture who asked “Are we born to run?”
For those who are starting to recognise the benefits of Rotational Bodyweight Training and rotational resistance training using CrossCore 180 for fitness, sports strength and conditioning or rehab “like” the CrossCore 180 UK Facebook page to keep up with developments and opportunities in the UK/Ireland.
CrossCore remains the very best Rotational Bodyweight Training System and an awesome Functional Resistance Training pulley system thats as versatile as any cable machine, total gym, multigym.
to see the CrossCore in action ask us where you can find your closest CrossCore180 – via the facebook page above, via twitter @CrossCore180UK or right here on the Balance Performance Blog.
