Static stretches have become well accepted by triathletes and are practiced by most. For anyone to suggest that the athletes should not do such stretches is almost sacrilegious. But, if we closely examine the research done on static stretches in sports, as well as practical experiences, we will see that static stretches do not truly prepare you for running, cycling, or swimming workouts or competition, nor do they prevent injury. ( Read more… »
Posted on Jul 07, 2008 under Cycling, Exercise training, Explosive Golf, Explosive Running, Explosive Running, Player improvement, Running, Russian training, Specialized Training, Sports Technique, Swimming, Technique analysis, Training specificity, Yessis Editorials |
There are many articles that are touted as being specific to a particular sport. For example in a recent issue of Triathlete magazine it was stated that, “the following 11 exercises represent a full-body, triathlon specific strength session…” However, there was only one exercise that duplicated the technique involved in a particular event.
For an exercise to be truly specific, it must not only duplicate the same motor pathway as seen in execution of the motor skill but it must also develop strength in the same range of motion and have the same type of muscular contraction. The exercises described, even though most of them involved the same muscles, did not fulfill the criteria.
For example, the bend-knee dead lift is executed with a slightly rounded back for backache. The back is kept in a static position which does not strengthen muscles through the full range. This would be a good general exercise for the hip extensors and holding the back in position. Read more… »
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