Slow Your Roll - by Todd

Often times when I’m showing a client a new move we work with a wooden dowel or a piece of PVC. The idea is to provide as little resistance as possible but still be able to train the hands, arms, and legs what to do. Most times people think that it would be easier with weight than without. I appreciate the enthusiasm but let’s hold off on the weight for a bit. First we need to get a sound foundation of the mechanics of an exercise before we start loading that bar up! For example what happens if you’re slightly forward on your toes during the catch part of a clean. I’ll tell you, you’re going to fall forward and not get the rep. Same goes for catching a bar over head. Say your shoulders aren’t actively pushing up into that bar. To put it simple you will drop it. What we are looking for as trainers and coaches is simple. We are looking for your body to work in the most efficient way possible to complete a task. Keeping weight in close to your midline, landing or staying flat on your feet, active shoulders, midline stabilization and others. If any of these components are missing you will never get as far as you would with them. In short we need sound mechanics. Once we have achieved mechanics we need to demonstrate consistency. There’s no reason to nail an exercise perfectly and think you’ve mastered it. Would you shoot a gun, hit the target on your first shot and then head into competition? Most of us wouldn’t. We as coaches understand that you want to hit that big lift and get results as fast. We also understand that if you progress before you’re ready and an injury occurs then kiss it good bye until you recover. Patience. Practice. Determination. Understanding. Commitment. Trust. Those are the things that will progress you the fastest...Trust me.