Brian Schiff’s Blog

The number of people struggling with shoulder problems is astounding. Keep in mind 36% of people working out will develop a shoulder problem. For those suffering from persistent shoulder aching/pain or a known rotator cuff issue, you will want to check out this video. I have also pasted a link to a column I wrote on this very topic for Personal Fitness Professional Magazine as well.

Link to the PFP article

I often give advice on how to strengthen the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers in my articles and products, but have not revealed as much about my stability training methods. The shoulder is naturally unstable. Therefore, it is at increased risk for injury especially in those with subtle and gross instability.

In the short video clip today, I reveal 3 progressive stability exercises that can be done on a stability ball. Keep in mind these exercises are designed for an intermediate level exerciser or someone who has already gone through more basic gravity eliminated stability training (on a wall for example).

I generally like to do 10-15 repetitions or timed reps with my clients. Pay close attention the arms and how I must work hard to control the sholder positioning through consistent co-contraction of the shoulder musculature. This co-contraction and weight bearing is instrumental in training the shoulder to be more stable and resist outside forces. It is best to spot your clients behind the ball early on in case they lose balance and suddenly shift their body weight to one side.

In this video, I reveal two of my favorite single leg TRX exercises. Using the anterior and lateral reach will challenge lower leg balance/stability while improving hip and thigh strength for any athletic pursuit. These progressions are excellent for ACL and other knee injury prevention and advanced rehab programs. Turn up the volume as the camera is far away to capture the video. Enjoy!

In today’s video, I reveal 3 distinct single leg progressions with the TRX to strengthen hip and knee. Again, these can all be done at home with a counter top. Stay tuned as I will show you suspended single leg TRX exercises in the next post designed to challenge balance and improve dynamic power and control.

In today’s post, I am going to show you a few techniques using the TRX to build up your quadriceps strength and reduce knee pain related to arthritis. Don’t have a TRX? Watch anyway, because every exercise I show can be done at home using a simple countertop.

This will be the first of a video series on knee training progressions for the general population as well as athletes. If you have specific questions, please let me know. Normally, I use Viddler to upload my latest video, but it was acting up so today’s video comes to you by way of YouTube.