If you have trained with me, you may have noticed the minimal or zero amount of sit-ups or crunches we do. The bulk of my strength training revolves around spinal bracing using your abs and back to protect the spine from unwanted movement while the greater muscles of the hips are used to produce movement as in squats, lunges, and deadlifts. Even when pressing weight overhead, or doing push up, the spine needs to be braced and rigid.
Of course, maintaining a flexible spine is important. Having a flexible spine will keep you feeling youthful. The combination of strength and flexibility is amazing! Move when you want to move, and brace when you want to or need to brace.
Here is a perfectly healthy isometric hold that demonstrates spinal flexibility and bracing simultaneously.
This is Katie.
This is my pregnant sister, Dana.
You Ehrhardts' are something special--keep doing what you do Justin.
ReplyDeleteI love love love training with you, Justin...and Crystal's massages are magical :) And of course Dr Elahi is amazing....I wish i had an appointment today :)
ReplyDeleteI really wish I had more time to train you! It's tough to blend the social with the physical. Guess I better stick to my job and get you moving, better, feeling better and stronger!
ReplyDeletei wish you had more time too! :)
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