A Philosophy of Strength and Health

In light of the previous post, I thought I'd share this interesting tidbit from NPR describing research into the jumping mechanics of fleas. Finally, after 40 years, it seems we have some type of answer as to how these things do it. My favorite part of the NPR story is a quote from Henry Bennet-Clark, the guy behind the recently substantiated mechanism, on being right: "Let's put it this way: It leaves me unsurprised," he says. "Because I always thought that the trochanter idea of Miriam Rothschild was as silly as the statement I'm about to make, which is, 'I'm about to jump off my chair by squeezing my buttocks.' " Keep that last sentence in mind as you squat this week.

"Muscle strength and flexibility characteristics of people displaying excessive medial knee displacement"- Bell et al ', Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation '07. http://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993%2808%2900272-4/abstract My colleague Joe P. brought the above study to my attention in his blog this week. Hmmm...maybe it's true that the secret to life is in the ankles and not the posterior chain. You know me, I totally think a gluteus maximus is a terrible thing to waste. But I'm not about to get caught with my head up my you-know-what when it comes thinking I can tell what muscle is firing where and when by observation alone. It just isn't that simple. We cannot and should not reduce human movement and performance to "activation" of particular muscles. The term posterior chain is interesting. I have heard that it originated from one particular person about 10 years ago, but who knows if that is accurate. Maybe the...

Simon Sinek's passionate talk about keeping it real in business and everyday life.

Bob Takano has a great collection of interviews with weightlifting coaches, athletes and researchers, including John Garhammar, Ph.D, Harvey Newton, Mike Burgener, John Thrush and Jim Schmitz. It has been my great honor to know and learn from each of these individuals. If you'd like to hear about some of the history of the sport in the US and reflections on weightlifting and strength & conditioning today, take the time to listen. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience here.

Vern Gambetta has two great posts that everyone should read, More Than Exercise and Prehab : A Flawed Concept. I cannot say it any better than Vern. These two topics are close to my heart. Programming is art and science, trial and error, and wisdom over time. It is not simply a commodity to be sold in the gym or over the internet and dished out to athletes or clients. I am passionate about that. Sometimes to a fault.