Brian Schiff’s Blog

I hope you enjoyed part one in this series.  Part two looks at a frontal and transverse suspended reach.  This is a great way to train the body to better resist shear forces that are encountered in sport.

To read more about this progression and see the rotational component, click here.  This exercise is a great way to improve hip strength and improve de-rotational capacity, thereby reducing injury risk with planting, cutting and pivoting.

Throughout my speaking and training, I advocate single leg strengthening.  Additionally, I try to incorporate balance and stability training progressions that target common muscle imbalances and reduce injury risk.

It is common knowledge that the hip can often affect the knee.  Likewise, the foot and ankle complex can also impact the knee.  Single leg training often exposes and corrects limb deficiencies and simulataneously improves function and performance.

I have been producing a TRX functionally fit mini-series for PFP magazine.  The first two editions focus on single leg suspension reaching progressions.  I thought I would share those with you as there may be portions you can apply to your own training or to others.

I use these progressions with runners, court and field athletes, and general clients alike.  They work the entire kinetic chain and emphasize anti-gravity control in multiple planes.  These progressions can be part of an advanced rehab regimen or fitness program.  Below is a picture of the phase one sagittal plane reach:

To see the entire progression (part 1), check out my column by clicking on the image below.