Optimum Body Mechanics

A brief summary of maximizing Optimum Body Mechanics in activity and sport. This post is a follow up to my interactive event with Lululemon West Edmonton

Step Away From the Smith Machine!

On December 22, 2009, in Exercises, Knee, Lumbar Spine / Core, Sports Performance, by jcubos

A recent study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, examined the electromyographic activity (EMG) of various muscles during the squat exercise when performed using the Smith machine as well as using free weights. This was performed as a follow up to a 2005 study by Anderson and Behm that demonstrated higher EMG activity of the quadriceps muscles during the Smith Machine squat.

Standing Wall Stretches: Don’t forget the arch!

On December 22, 2009, in Lower Extremity, Therapeutic Methods, by jcubos

If you are a strength coach or manual therapist, I can say with 99.9% certainty that you have at one point or another recommended a Standing Wall Stretch to a client or patient. You may have done so for various reasons, including improved triceps surae length, but have you recommended this stretch with external assistance?

Jumping Rope: A triathlete’s off season secret weapon?

As I was jumping rope in between workouts yesterday (thats obviously not me in the picture by the way), I came to the revelation that this exercise may just be the secret weapon many triathletes are looking for to add to their arsenal this off season. Let me tell you why: POSTURE: In order to [...]

Isolated Fracture of the…Posterior Malleolus?

On November 18, 2009, in Lower Extremity, by jcubos

Yes there is such a thing! It is also known as a fracture of the posterior tibial lip. Mechanism of Injury? Extreme plantar flexion with vertical compression of the talus against the tibia. This injury is usually associated with a rupture of the anterior tibiofibular ligament. Therefore, if a widening of the medial clear space [...]