Knee Up Hold

BY JORDAN TROESTER

Over the next few weeks, we will build on Sparta's philosophy of neuromuscular activation by introducing the movements from our athletes' daily routine. Last week we covered the goal of activation; to excite or prepare stabilizer muscles to control body position (see Sparta Point).




This body control is the result of the separation between control at one body segment and range of motion at another. The analogy that we used last week is that in order for a rubber band to stretch and then snap, it must first have an anchor.  Ultimately, the sequencing of stability and mobility results in each athlete's movement signature^TM.

Is Sleep More Important than Nutrition?

BY DR. PHIL WAGNER, M.D.

When we work with individual athletes or professional organizations, a major emphasis is on regeneration. After all, if you are competing at a high level, the need to stay there is paramount. Regeneration, or regen for short, is the process of renewal, restoration, and growth that creates resilience to damage.

Yet, nutrition always seems to be the most overrated aspect of regen, and any other recovery effort seems to pale in comparison. This outlook likely comes from the association of nutrition with how you look in the mirror. This correlation is correct; your appearance (i.e. your six-pack) has far more to do with nutrition than how you exercise (see Sparta Point).

BUT, how you look does not necessarily guarantee sport success. In fact, sometimes fatter athletes just perform better in their sport. Luckily, some other major regen efforts, besides nutrition, might have even greater effects on your athletic performance.

Activation: The Missing Piece For Flexibility

BY JORDAN TROESTER

Several weeks ago, we talked about how having a purpose and philosophy behind your approach to flexibility allows you to focus on the most important movements and use your time as efficiently as possible (see Sparta Point).

So we introduced Sparta's three pronged approach to flexibility

1. Release
2. Activate
3. Stretch

We know that the stretches seek to improve flexibility through elongating the muscle, basically like pulling on a rubber band. But any muscle, like a rubber band, needs an anchor for greater stretch.


So today, we will build on our flexibility philosophy by adding the anchor, Activation exercises, to the Stretch exercises.

Are You Fit Enough to Return to Your Sport?

BY DR. PHIL WAGNER, M.D.

If you value your time and truly seek your goals, the most important concept you can be aware of in your effort is validity.

The term is primarily used in statistics, a number that describes the extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure. In discussing your training regimen and return to play from injury, choosing a valid assessment is critical.

After all, it is why the term "sports-specific" has become so popular. So is what you are doing in your training "sports-specific" or valid?

How to Become a Pinball Athlete - First Step Separation

BY JORDAN TROESTER

We always talk to our athletes about how creating separation from their opponent is the difference maker on the field or court (see Sparta Point). This separation is the result of having a great first step.

Of course, having a great first step is really about training your body to improve your movement signature^TM for optimal force production and angles.

Returning From Injury: The Most Importance Clearance

BY DR. PHIL WAGNER, M.D.

The most common question in any injury is simple;

WHEN CAN I PLAY AGAIN!?!

This answer to this question of return to play is critical because previous injury is the #1 cause of any injury, whether it is a concussion, sprain, or pulled muscle (see Sparta Point).



Return to Play refers to the point in injury recovery when an athlete is able to go back to playing sports at a pre-injury level. The process begins after the acute phase of injury, which can last up to 3 days after the injury (see Sparta Point). Unfortunately, after this normal initial healing response, medical recommendations are primarily very time focused. For example, 6 weeks is a common response, as it is the average healing time for soft tissue (bones, muscles, etc.).

Yet, we train and play in a meritocracy, so we shouldn't we base our Return to Play decisions the same way?