Brian Schiff’s Blog

In the previous post I discussed the importance of integrating single leg squats to improve strength and running performance. Today, I will reveal 3 different variations of single leg stability ball training to increase hip drive, acceleration, and overall running economy.

In addition, these exercise can be used for hamstring strengthening, rehab and speed enhancement for any athletes. The three exercises are as follows:

1. Straight leg bridge lift
2. Straight leg bridge with leg curl
3. Knee bent bridge lift

All three are very effexctive for improving strength and performance.  The best part is that using the stability ball adds an element of stabilization and core training as well.  I think you will find this is truly the best way to train your hamstrings independently if your goal is improved running performance.  If the stability ball is too challenging at first, you can opt to do the straight leg and knee bent bridge lifts with the support leg on the floor.  Click on the video below to view the exercises.

I am beginning a video series of 3 exercises for running performance. Check out today’s video on the importance of using a single leg squat in your program.

Please click on the link below below for a video message from me.  I must openly admit I am still trying to master this whole video thing. As such, you will need to turn your volume all the way up to hear me as my facility has high ceilings and the acoustics are not ideal. But hey, it is the content that matters most, right? I look forward to sharing many great tips, exeercises and strategies with you in 2009!

Well, it is Christmas Eve here in the States and I am getting ready to head to church with the family and then to my Dad’s for a family dinner.  I want to take a moment and personally wish you a Happy Holiday Season.

Be sure to take a moment and tell your loved ones how much you care and be thankful for all your blessings in 2008.  I always take a few days off from work this time of the year to enjoy my family. 

The upcoming year will be a big one for me as I present for Power Systems in February and June and continue to bring more information products to the market.  Check my blog regularly for the latest articles regarding injury and sport performance as well as special offers to all of my loyal readers.  In 2009 I will be bringing you video clips to enhance the depth and quality of my blog posts as well.  I commit to bringing you all the info you need to stay injury free and perform at the highest level possible. 

Enjoy the holiday with your family!

Well, you might imagine the look of surprise and relief on the face of a client I saw this week when I told him what was finally causing his hip/leg pain.  This particular client trains with one of my staff members.  He has a longstanding history of pain in the upper posterior thigh and groin area.  It flared up recently and he finally went to see a physician.

He was diagnosed with an adductor strain and given a prescription for physical therapy.  My trainer wanted asked for guidance in working with him as not to aggravate the situation yet continue his fitness program.  As I spoke with him, he mentioned his worst pain occurred with sitting.  In fact, he can’t tolerate more than 5 minutes of sitting due to pain.  This struck me as very odd and not typical with adductor strains.

I began to probe further.  Next, I had him do some specific movements and I took a closer look.  My brief exam yielded limited hamstring flexibility and pain/weakness with hamstring resistance.  It was clear that his groin pain was more likely related to a medial proximal hamstring strain and not an adductor strain.  Because the medial hamstring controls hip rotation, his symptoms would easily be provoked in certain movements and positions much like an adductor strain.   

The take away message here is simply to listen carefully and closely examine the affected tissue to determine the true source of pain/dysfunction.  Treating the adductor will NOT cure his hamstring problem.  I am sure his physician is very competent, but often MD’s do not listen closely enough or perform inadequate testing, which leads to an incomplete or inaccurate diagnosis.  Any intervention I offer to clients should yield positive results or improvement within 4 weeks.

If you have an injury or physical goal and are not seeing forward progress in this time period, it is time to take a closer second look at the plan of attack.  It may take a different set of eyes and ears to get you back on track.  The little things really do matter!