Punching power is a result of biomechanical alignment and physiological coordination. Technique is what makes the punch effective. Weight training and building tendon strength can supplement punch training but practice of technique is key. The focus of this write up will be on arm extension (shoulder flexion). It is roughly one-quarter of the total punch … Continue reading The Power of the Punch
What do planks, handstands, throwing baseballs and placing dishes into cabinets have in common? Scapular (shoulder blade) rhythm, Upper Trapezius (UT) and Serratus Anterior (SA) activation. Scapular (Scapulothoracic) Rhythm is defined as the coordinated movement of the glenohumeral joint with scapulothoracic articulation. The scapula must be maintained in a stable position, yet still be mobile, … Continue reading Shoulder Blade: How it impacts function
In the words of Chang San Feng, “Up and down, forward and backward, left and right, it’s all the same . . . If there is a top, there is a bottom, if there is a front, there is a back, if there is a left, there is a right.” This excerpt, from the Tai … Continue reading Front body/Back body, how’s your posture?
Progression 1/3: Single Leg Balancing Squat Supported Everyday, people engage in movements that involve coordination of the ankle, knee and hip joints (AKH). Movements such as walking, running, and jumping are variations of the Single Leg Squatting position. In order for coordinated execution of these movements to take place, proper engagement of the core and … Continue reading Single Leg Squatting: Stability and Flexibility
So you have only 30 minutes to workout? What can you accomplish in 30 minutes? When structured properly, you can achieve an effective workout in just 30 minutes. Due to time constraints, exercise usually gets put aside until the next day. If this happens often enough, accountability may begin to wane and exercise may be … Continue reading 30 minutes and I’m gone . . . .
Click this link - Introduction to the Posterior Chain series The hip joint and the shoulder girdle are critical to the functionality of the posterior chain musculature. The musculotendinous attachments at the hip joint and at the shoulder girdle are important to engaging the core and stabilizing the spine. Because the spine connects the hips … Continue reading Posterior Chain Activation
Despite what you may have heard, core exercises involve more than simply “activating your abdominals” and crunching. The core reaches far behind the abdominals. Pilates is a great way to strengthen the core musculature, but Pilates instruction often overlooks the activation of the pelvic floor musculature, which is crucial to developing a strong core. In … Continue reading Core Exercises
This pose is called Pinca Mayurasana (Elbow Stand). This is an arm balance pose that develops shoulder stability, opens the chest, strengthens the arms, and tones/strengthens the core. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU6qLSOXuO0
