Prehab Instead of Rehab

I frequently encourage you to foam roll and implement single-muscle stretching as a proactive approach to injuries and biomechanical dysfunctions.  The reason why you see the pre and post-exercise protocols and associated video links with each workout is associated with a concept I refer to as “prehab” versus “rehab.” I would rather you focus on staying away from past problems, prevent current aches and pains from becoming more serious, and ultimately see you reach your true potential as an athlete.  Keep in mind that each muscle must strike a balance between being both strong AND flexible.  When a muscle loses flexibility, it can’t move back to its original starting position, resulting in a reduced range of motion and ultimately less strength and endurance.  As I have mentioned in the videos, the greatest amount of “power” is generated within the first couple of inches of every movement.  So, if you’re starting point is not optimized, your strength and endurance will be negatively affected.

With all of this being said, please pay close attention to your flexibility, aches, and pains, if possible, schedule a sport-specific massage therapist and ask for a range of motion assessment.  The therapist will take each muscle through its “normal” range of motion. If there are restrictions, the therapist can help you identify and “teach” you what the actual source of the problem is.  For example, most people who suffer from a tight lower back (or “swayed lower back”) have tight quads.  The tight quads pull on the top of the hip bones which “pull” the top of the hips forward which causes the arch in the lower back.

Though flexibility and biomechanics aren’t as much fun as a good sweaty workout, they yield higher returns in your health, wellness, and performance long term.  Another tool for Working Smart, Not Hard, and Avoid Overtraining!

Yours in sport & health,

-Coach Robb, Coaches, and Staff

Thought for the week:

“Dreams and achievements can be created, but only by planning, avoiding distractions, and removing negative people that stand in our way.”