tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60597632372371019132024-03-14T00:53:45.979-07:003sneaks health & sport, LLC3sneakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07952456325950951957noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059763237237101913.post-72060251158010718512012-04-05T09:17:00.000-07:002012-04-05T09:21:40.918-07:00Off Ice Training for Performance, Part I: Correcting Muscle Imbalances and Reducing Injuries<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As
the sport of hockey grows at all ages and ability levels, there has been an
increased focus on training outside of the rink. The reasons for off ice
training can range from injury prevention to performance enhancement. As a
strength and conditioning professional my job is to listen to my client; assess
their movements; pinpoint strengths, weaknesses, and muscle imbalances; and
develop a structured, program to meet all the needs and demands of that hockey
player.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />From
my experience, the first, and in my opinion the most important area that must
be addressed is to correct muscle imbalances. I won’t forget the first time I
met Brooke Whitney, the founder and owner of 3sneaks health and sport (check
out her company </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://3sneaks.com/">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">). I knew that Brooke
was a terrific hockey player, and I was interested to speak to her about her
company. But as she walked toward me, I first focused on her rounded upper
back, and tight hips (an odd first impression, but an occupational hazard). Years
of holding a stick in front of her body had lengthened the muscles of her upper
back, and caused shortening in the muscles of her chest. Skating and bending over at the waist
to puck handle shortened and tightened the muscles responsible for hip flexion,
and lengthened the muscles in the posterior region of her body (gluteus
maximus, hamstrings).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why
should correcting muscle imbalance be part of off-ice training? A great
question! First, improving muscle balance can prevent injuries. However, most
people are usually more interested in achieving performance enhancement. A
muscle that is too long or short is unable to maximize its potential force
(length tension relationship). Force creates power, and we all want to improve
the ability to produce power and perform better on the ice, whether in our legs
or upper body (the definition and discussions of power and force are for
another post).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So
how is this improvement accomplished? The answer lies in an off ice training
program centered on weight training and flexibility exercises to increase
mobility in the affected joints, and to strengthen the muscles surrounding the
joint for stability. Through a proper progression, the muscle imbalances can be
corrected, and the correct length tension relationship can be reestablished,
leading to more efficient, powerful movements on the ice and better
performance. Stay tuned to future posts for exercises to accomplish this goal.</span></div>3sneakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07952456325950951957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6059763237237101913.post-31678247778516946972012-03-04T10:23:00.003-08:002012-03-04T10:27:44.022-08:00Coming Soon!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Welcome to 3sneaks blog page...commit. prepare. achieve. blog.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /><br />Our first blog is coming soon. We not only look forward to sharing our experiences, opinions and thoughts with you, but are excited to view your comments as well!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /><br />To good health,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Brooke</span>3sneakshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07952456325950951957noreply@blogger.com0