A Word of Advice for Training : The Importance of Fundamentals
Understanding the basics.
by Justin Andrushko
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Filed in : Articles
Tags : conditioning, equipment, photography, posture, running, Training Concepts & Strategies
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Over the past week or so I have gotten into a groove of watching youtube videos of strength and conditioning coaches training their athletes. One thing that has come to my attention is that in this day and age of training with all the "innovative training" and "functional training" methods out on the market today, it has really taken away from the fundamental development of athletes. What I mean by this is that trainers have outfitted their gyms with all these new training tools/fancy toys that supposedly give them an advantage over the competitors.
However, I see these tools becoming the standard to training which is extremely concerning for me considering that the use of these tools takes away from building a solid foundation of movement and strength.
If you are unsure about what I am writing about I will give you an example; the use of sleds, parachutes and other resistance running or even accelerated running tools on the market today should NOT be used on athletes that still need to learn how to run! You do not need anything but space to teach an athlete how to run properly, and even run an effective training session that will have excellent results. The truth is, only a very small percentage of people become 'experts' in movement (running, lateral movement, etc) and until someone becomes an expert the growth, development, and improvement of an athlete's running mechanics can and will improve immensely with just the training without the use of any tools.
Also when people use these tools they should not sacrifice proper movement mechanics while using the device. I constantly see videos posted of an athlete doing a sled sprint when the sled is clearly too heavy! If you cannot move with proper mechanics then you are using too much resistance.
I do understand that at times a strength coach will have a sled pull with lots of weight and have the athlete grind it out (as seen on STRONG Movie from Joe Defranco) but this should not be confused with speed training. But even in that scenario it is different with hand straps being used instead of a harness or belt.
Bottom line is you need to think about what you are trying to accomplish with your athletes, or with yourself if you are an athlete and think about what you need to do to improve it. Running with a lean that greatly exaggerates regular running mechanics and with a rounded back and terrible posture will only reinforce bad mechanics and as a result hinder and not help you or your athlete.
Justin Andrushko is currently attending the University of British Columbia where he is studying Human Kinetics. He is a certified Specialist in Strength and Conditioning through the ISSA, and plays Running Back for the UBC Thunderbirds. He played high school football for the Ballenas Whalers where he was named the Conference and Provincial All-Star Teams’ Offensive MVP. He still holds all school records in scoring and rushing yards. Away from the field Justin has spent time as a guest coach at several football camps and clinics.
Justin blogs over at Andrushko's Training Program, and can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Swing by.
Like this? Check out :
Looking At : Oct 14, 2012.
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, the Forums and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Looking At : Jun 17, 2012.
What we were talking about this week : on Google+, Twitter, and the Forums.
Workout Locations: the Beach.
When it comes to outdoor training, the beach is ideal.
Gymchat 277 - Barefoot Running - Believe the Hype! (Steven Sashen).
Tried it? Wondering if you should, and how to start? Dive in.
Looking At : May 20, 2012.
During the past week we've discussed a number of great links; on Google+, Twitter, Nuzzel and so on. Here are a few of my favourites.
Stair Running.
Looks great.
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reading : Ferocious Fitness (Phil Ross, Marty Gallagher)
Remember this? Great book. Ferocious Fitness : A Fighter's Proven Action Plan to Develop Blazing Power, Animalistic Strength and Killer Conditioning is a distillation of Phil Ross' training wisdom, in the form of a superbly comprehensive book. We took a look at the digital version recently, and you'll be pleased to know that the paperback version is now available. Definitely worthy of a place on the fitness shelf. Phil Ross' Ferocious Fitness.
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On Straight to the Bar we talk a lot about air pollution, primarily from a gym-owner's perspective. In the 'Leave it in the Ground' newsletter we look at the topic far more broadly - the gradual move away from the use of fossil fuels. Daily, and free.
elsewhere
As you can see, we love talking about training. In addition to the conversations on here, in the Google+ Community, Twitter and so on are discussions on several other great fitness-focussed sites.
Check out :
- Josh Hewett : Basic Home Workout for Beginners
- Al Kavadlo : How to Do A Double Under
- Diesel Crew : Yoketober – Fully Update – Fully Loaded
- Year of the Bear : Year of the Bear Has Moved!
- Gains & Aesthetics : Weightlifting vs. Cardio: Which is Better for Fat Loss?
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checking out
Athena RoarLove running when you travel? The side effect of that is not only stumbling across some incredible sites, it's accidentally ending up in some fairly unsavoury areas.
This is an interesting way to tackle these situations (the unsavoury ones, that is), the Athena Roar :
NB : although this version's strongly focussed on the safety aspect, I'd love to see many of the common fitness-monitoring functions built in to the device. And, of course, a way to export all of that data.
The Athena Roar Wearable Safety Accessory.
NB : We've recommended a number of books, DVDs & pieces of equipment over the years. Here's the complete list :
straighttothebar.com/articles/reading.
If you're new to the world of nail bending, this is the perfect book to get. It'll show you the exact techniques you'll need to get started right away. Written by world-class bender Jedd Johnson.
The Diesel Crew's Card Tearing eBook
This is a fantastic book. If you've ever considered learning this incredible strength feat, the Card Tearing eBook is the perfect place to start. Love it.
This is a superb resource. With a focus on law enforcement personnel, it takes the form of a Facebook Group as well as one on one coaching sessions. Created by the incredible Jeff Wilson.
Mike Gillette explains the various ways to put the gymnastic rings to work - progressively - in Rings of Power. With clear emphases on both strength and rehabilitation, it's an ideal place to start.
Particularly those of us in the 'over 40' crowd.
When it comes to body transformation - whether that's an increase in strength, packing on a bit of muscle or losing a bit of excess fat - this is the perfect place to start. Dr Berardi's Precision Nutrition.
This is a fantastic book. As Josh explains, it superbly shows what's going on while you train. Love it.
The Art of Expressing the Human Body
If you've ever watched a Bruce Lee film and marveled at his strength, speed, agility, endurance, flexibility or muscularity, this book should take pride of place in your collection. Unlike many other writings covering everything from Lee's training methods to nutrition, this book is based not on the recollections of people around him; but on Lee's own notes. Brilliant.
For a full list of what we're reading at the moment (training-related and otherwise), join us on Goodreads. And for a cut-down list showing only the ones we recommend, swing by the Recommended Books & DVDs page. See you there.