This article will address some specific protocols that have been effectively used to correct some major strength and
flexibility imbalances of a current client. Joint Mobility (JM),
a combination of Qigong and dynamic stretching, has also become one of the most effective warm-ups for any athlete. Kettlebells
fill the void where traditional strength training lacks, effective strength workouts in minimal time. Triathletes are a special population due to thefact they are training for three events simultaneously, i.e. Ask any triathlete: his/her last priority is strength training.
Every session began with a minimum of ten minutes of joint mobility head-to-toe andthen specifically returning to problem areas. The foundational movements apply to triathletes as they do for any athlete. They will surely thank you!Kettlebells (KB's) have already become the tool of choice for 'inthe know' strength and power athletes.
Snatches are an extension of the swing and help 're-wire' the CNS to fire on demand and also adding to overall efficiency.
When we started working together, nine weeks prior to her second Ironman, she was rebounding from a stress fracture in the femoral head, major quad/ham imbalance, rotator cuff problems (past injuries from
swimming on college scholarship), and tight hip flexors.
Through a combination of JM drills and KB's, she was able to effectively overcome many of these weaknesses in nine short weeks. Five main
KB exercises were used.A
healthy dose of swings, cleans, snatches, renegade rows and windmills were the focal point.
Within two weeks, her squat depth had improved four inches due to increased flexibility and relaxation of the hip flexors. a collection of body parts--which leads to increasedefficiency--is crucial for triathletes. a collection of body parts.
The
remainder of each training session revolved around
KB training.
This almost immediate improvement led to relaxed bike pedal power, relaxed running and overall increased power and efficiency.
The Western world is gradually listening, receiving and applying simple, primitive
and more effective training methods from the archives of the Eastern bloc. The most common issues are over-training, weak core, tight hip flexors, tight low back,
and stress fractures mainly in the lower leg and small bones of the feet.
How can the re-birth
of these two timeless protocols benefit triathletes?
Most programs neglectto
teach athletes in general how to neurologically program their hamstrings which leads to efficiency in biking and running.
After a general mobility warm-up, emphasis was on the Wall Squat, essential
to recovery and progression of imbalances, weaknesses and mobility of the hip/low back region. swimming,biking,
and running. Cleans re-teach the hips to fire while simultaneously relaxing the shoulders...crucial during a grueling multi-sport race.
Renegade Rows are a full body core workout teaching the abdominals stabilize in a 'relaxed tension' state instead of mindlesslyrowing a weight. These five exercises revolve
around everything that a triathlete is looking for: increasing core strength without increasing muscle mass, and increasing work capacity while maintaining aerobic efficiency (relaxed tension).
Efficiency is of the utmost importance, especially for Ironman competitors, 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run ALL IN ONE DAY!! Thus, there are
many problems these athletes run into throughout the course of their training programs.