12 Thoughts from Mike Boyle’s Winter Seminar

Just got back from Mike Boyle’s Winter Seminar in Boston.  What a great opportunity to listen to some of the best coaches and trainers in the industry. Here are a couple of random thoughts that I would like to share:

• The program design seems complex, but if you really look at it, it’s simple.  What I mean is that you must look at the big picture when designing programs. All people have to move! Program design should incorporate all concepts to help the client move better and get results. Establish short term goals early on, keep it simple and plan.

• Concussions are more frequent then people think.

• “Insufficient joint mobility leads to inefficient motor patterns” -Brijesh Patel

• Athletes or clients who do not have a sufficient program for flexibility training (static and dynamic), mobility development, core activation, and progressions are at risk for injury.  The more volume you have within a program or a practice, the more chance for dysfunction.

• To establish good posture, we must learn to extend the thoracic spine first, then learn how to rotate it.  You cannot rotate a rounded back. While doing this, we must achieve optimum pelvic alignment through learning how find the “neutral spine.”

• Using reciprocal inhibition is a much better approach than to use standard flexibility training.

• When teaching athletes how to jump through the use of plyometrics, the first thing that should be addressed is landing position and posture. This way we get them stronger eccentrically and develop a sound sense of body awareness and coordination. Most injuries occur with strong eccentric contractions.  Teach people how to stop effectively and you reduce there chance for injury dramatically.

• Athletes and people must be taught on how to push themselves.

• The adductor muscle group is the most misunderstood muscle group in the body.

• Not everyone is made to squat. Split squats may serve as a better alternative to most people.

• Soft tissue work, followed by moderate static stretching can work wonders when aiding in reducing pain and preventing injury.

• Say you sit for longer than 20 minutes in the same position. When you stand up and begin to move, the muscles that surround the hip will remain short and tight.  What does this mean?  Sitting is bad for humans. Get up, get moving!