Training produces stress on our body, which is used to create positive changes but also comes with consequences. By learning how to manage this stress through positioning we can improve our performance and health, while minimizing the consequences of our training.
Extension is our bodies position to handle threats and stress. The more we exercise in extension, or the more we expose our bodies to chronic stress – the more we drive ourselves further into extension patterns.
Rotation is a safety pattern. When we are in an extended position with our ribs flared, pelvis forwards and back extended, we lose our ability to rotate throughout.
This extension pattern drives our sympathetic nervous system, which keeps us in a fight or flight response. This promotes increased tension, stress on joints and can lead to discomfort, pain or injury.
Creating positions where we can better manage stress and these consequences, will allow us to still accomplish our goals with training while simultaneously improving our movement options and overall performance.
Above are some examples of exercises with extension (top image) or with a stacked position of our ribcage and pelvis (bottom image)!
Determine what your goals are with exercise, and use positioning to help you achieve them! Train SMARTER and HARDER.
Interested in learning how to eliminate pain, improve your movement and get stronger with your training? Give us a call at (612) 470-8618, or schedule a “Strength and Performance Training” assessment with our Performance Physical Therapist HERE!