FITNESS BLOG

Biomechanics of the Back Squat – Part 1

07/14/2017

The squat is a well-known exercise for the knee and hip muscles and is commonly used in rehab programmes. Biomechanically, the squat is a close-chain movement, requiring simultaneous extension patterns of the ankle, knee and hip joints. The squat can be performed in many different ways, including variations in foot width (sumo squats), foot position […]

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Adding a Speed Component to Your Functional Training Program

07/14/2017

Last week we discussed the link between eccentric strength, the stretch shortening cycle and functional training. This week we will look at training methods that develop speed. Speed is often developed with traditional based training modalities such as outdoor sprint training, however, speed can also be developed through the use of resistance based exercises. Effective […]

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What is Functional Training? What are the key elements of Functional Training?

06/13/2017

According to Boyle (2016) a functional training program should prepare an athlete to play for his/her sport, with a strong focus on training movements, not muscles. It’s important though, to maintain a balanced perspective on functional training, and not assume just because an exercise is not performed in a three-dimensional space, it is not functional. […]

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Why are Kettlebells ‘Functional’?

03/27/2017

I know all of you reading this, if asked the question, “Are Kettle Bells functional?” would say: “yes, of course they are”. Perhaps follow that up with a nasty look at me. Am I stupid? How could I not know that? How could I even doubt that they are? Well here’s the thing. Why? What […]

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Kettlebells – One Of The Best Training Tools On The Planet

05/03/2016

If you are not using Kettlebells in your training then you are missing out…… People all over the world are drawn to this incredible tool because it’s fun to use and produces amazing training results. The kettlebell is so effective because it enables you to develop strength, flexibility and cardio simultaneously. It is incredible for […]

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Why Functional Training is here to Stay

05/03/2016

Functional Training is training that has a purpose. It is context specific and will differ for professional athletes and special need populations. However, to the masses ‘Functional Training’ consists of exercises that help people function optimally. These include mobilisations, releases and activations to ‘undo’ our modern postures and exercises based on primal patterns including squatting, […]

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