Lack of dorsiflexion is one of the biggest problems that hinders lower body movements
Lack of dorsiflexion can be from tight calf muscles, inflexibility of the ankle joint, or tight Achilles
–How can I improve my squat to get lower?
Improving your dorsiflexion will allow you to get deeper into your squats without shifting your weight to your toes.
–Why can’t I keep my heels on the ground when I perform a lunge or squat?
Without adequate dorsiflexion in your ankles, once you reach a certain depth you will not be able to get further without your weight shifting from your heels to your toes.
–What can happen if I don’t improve my dorsiflexion mobility/flexibility?
Your performance will suffer, and you will have a greater risk of pain and/or injury.
HIPS
Complex parts of the body
Ball and socket joints
Perform Flexion/Extension, Abduction/Adduction and External/Internal Rotation
–Why can’t I get to 90 degrees on my squat?
If your hip flexors are tight, your hips will not be able to get close enough to your chest.
–Why do I have pain in my inner thigh when performing a low lateral shuffle?
Having tight hip abductors/adductors will make it difficult to achieve a low lateral shuffle position which can lead to pain in the inner thigh area.
–What can happen if I don’t improve my mobility/flexibility in my hips?
Just like in the ankles, without proper mobility/flexibility your performance will suffer, and your risk of pain and/or injury will increase.
“Hey! What’s up? So I wanted to go over with you something extremely important. I’ve already probably mentioned it to you if you came in for the assessment but I want to do a video about it because it is so important for your results, for your safety and for your health. And that is what we’re here for.
So, what is it? Well we’re talking about the warm up, right? The warm up is an injury prevention. So that’s the no. 1 thing that all of these things I am listing here are going to be about, right? So, it’s an I feel safe preparation type thing, that’s what we’re doing. So I’m just gonna go down a list of the benefits of the warm up.
(1) Psychological and Mental Preparation
When you’re warming up you’re getting yourself ready, you’re getting your body and your mind ready for the training. Remember we say like 80% of everything or you hear that said 80% of everything is mental right? Well, that’s true! Training is mental. The preparation for training is even bigger and better than you can even imagine. You will get 10x the result, you’ll feel much better when you do the warm up and the proper warm up. And what is a proper warm up? Well, I’ll get into that.
It (2) Increases your Core Temperature and your Heart Rate so that means you’re getting more oxygen to the body, more blood flow to the muscles, the muscles will work better, you’ll get better results, and you’ll be safer in the training.
It also (3) Increases Proprioception. Proprioception is an awareness in space. It allows us to touch our finger to our nose, so when we’re out there doing movements, we’re gonna do better movements, more masterful movements and then you’re gonna activate the muscles more and better to get more results.
(4) Activates the Nervous System
The nervous system works by you sending info from your brain. You’re firing electrical impulses and information to your extremities to get them to move. The more information you send, the more muscle fibers you activate through the motor units. The motor units recruit your muscle fibers and then you get more out of the training. Again, all of these leads back to getting more results, being safer.
It (5) Activates Synovial Fluid to lubricate the joints like oiling up your joints. So if you just jump right into workouts all the time, that’s a lot more force going on to the joints without the lubrication, so think about it as driving a rusty car all the time without oil. You’re going to break down a lot faster, a lot sooner so and this is another reason why water intake is extremely important right? That’s another separate video aside from this but it’s in combination everything works together. So we want to activate synovial fluid to get the joints more lubricated and ready to move which will help up us. (I’m gonna jump to no. (7) Increase in our Strength, Mobility, Flexibility and Endurance.
And jumping back to no. (6) It’s going to Encode the Proper Form and Technique when you move back into the training area. So say, you do your warm up and then you’re going to the training area, your muscles are activated you’re mentally, psychologically prepped , your blood flow is going, your heart rate is up. Now, you’re gonna burn more calories, you’re gonna burn more carbs which is our prefered source, the body’s prefered source of energy, you burn the carbs in the warm up and then you’ll burn more fat in training. And that’s what we’re here for. Burning fat, gaining lean muscle and feeling better right? It also helps detoxify the body.
So, what’s the best way to warm up? Well, the warm up ideally would be about 20 minutes long. If you’re just starting out, that’s maybe too much for you to handle. So 5-10 minutes minimum is what we want and we have a few different options. We have a you know our actual warm up video or you can go around jogging, that will get your heart rate up. It’s a good way to meditate, psychologically prepare or you can use the cardio equipment which is always the last thing I recommend for people because I want the people to move kind of in the range of motion that they will be moving when they get into the training which is kind of squat patterns, pressing, arm movements right? This is why mobility drills and warm up drills are extremely important.
Ok, so just a recap when we do the mobility, activation or warm up drills, it’s going to activate the nervous system, get more synovial fluid to your joints, it’s gonna increase your heart rate and blood flow to the working muscles, it’s gonna psychologically prepare you for the training and you’re going to increase your strength, endurance, mobility, flexibility, stability, you’ll have more proprioception and awareness of where you are in space so you won’t trip, fall over, you will feel safer in general. Therefore, we keep you safe, you have less injuries, less joint aches and pains, and more results. That’s why the warm up is so important. I hope this video help. Have a great day!”
Ian Hart is a Body-Mind Transformation expert, the creator of EarthFIT Training Systems, co-creator ofBACK PAIN RELIEF4LIFE, and founder of BEAUFORTPERSONALTRAINING.COM andMYBACKPAINCOACH.COM. Ian and his team help people get into optimal shape in the safest, fastest and most effective way possible, using cutting edge science.
Last week I announced that we will be getting the top of the line sauna at EarthFT LI which will have far infrared, mid infrared and near infrared as well as medical grade chromotherapy and no electromagnetic frequencies. I will explain what the latter is in another post. The response has been amazing and people are more excited about it than I thought they would have been. Truth be told, after doing a ton of research I was happy to purchase the sauna even if no one was interested but me. It turns out a TON of people are VERY interested and you will find out why below.
I have also received a ton of questions about it and I will fill you in more as time goes on. In the mean time I figured I would share some info from my friend Bret who I would consider an expert on Saunas and the detox protocol that goes along with it that we will be implementing for those that want it. This should answer some questions I have received. See below.
Committed to your success,
Ian
Types of Infrared
BRET BOUER·FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016
Here is some information on why Far Infrared Saunas are the most effective way to mobilize toxins. Also listed below are benefits of near and mid infrared.
Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D., of Seattle: In one study performed by American researchers, the sweat of people using a conventional sauna was found to be 95 to 97% water while the sweat of those using an infrared thermal system was 80 to 85% water with the non-water portion principally cholesterol, fat-soluble toxins, toxic heavy metals (such as mercury and aluminum), sulfuric acid, sodium, ammonia and uric acid. This unusually high concentration of heavy metals and other fat-soluble toxins is not found in the sweat from normal exercise. Mercury is the most toxic element on earth, second only to plutonium. Hyperthermic detoxification using these saunas is not only uniquely helpful in removing fat-stored toxins from the body, but also as an adjunct to mercury removal.
Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D., of Seattle, who has been called ‘the holistic doctors’ doctor and teacher, is one of the pioneers in combining the use of far-infrared saunas with the chelating agent DMPS in a heavy metal detox protocol. Dr. Klinghardt explains, “Since hyperthermic sauna therapy removes metal contaminants from the body, we have found that it may be used to further the benefits derived from chelation therapy. And we have also found that it may be an alternative for those who are unable to undergo chelation. Research conducted by U.S. scientists has demonstrated that close to 80% of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome will improve markedly by a guided detoxification program. We combine this approach with hyperthermic therapy using the far-infrared sauna, as well as exercise and chelation. The results we are seeing are very promising.”
There are also some benefits to near and mid infrared that I will list below. Far Infrared should be the foundation of any sauna. A full spectrum sauna would be ideal because it would have near, mi.d and far infrared. I have only found one brand that is truly full spectrum. I have found that many brands lie about that as well Message me Bret Bouer for more info.
BOOSTS METABOLISM– The mitochondria (power plants of the cells) produce more ATP (energy currency of the cells) when NIR (near infrared rays) is introduced. (1,2)
REDUCES BODY FAT– A group of 20 women riding stationary bicycles 3 times per week for 4 weeks exposed to NIR lost an average of 8 cm’s or 444% more as compared to 20 women doing the same exercise without NIR. (3)
INCREASED ENERGY– NIR activates the color sensitive chemicals (chromophores & cytochrome systems) to depths of 23 centimeters (or about 10 inches), stimulating the energy processes in cells. (1)
IMPROVED CIRCULATION TO THE MUSCLES – NIR causes the release of nitric oxide. This stimulates vasodilatation of the microcirculatory system, bringing more blood to the muscles. (4)
BETTER ENDURANCE – Muscle fatigue was reduced by up to 42.2% when exposing muscle to NIR. (5,6)
INCREASED STRENGTH– Growth hormone release is induced by an increase in body temperature and not by exercise itself. Growth hormone increases muscle mass, calcium retention, and lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat). (14)
FASTER RECOVERY TIME– Certain tissue regenerating genes including integrins, laminin, gap junction proteins and kinesin proteins have shown a two- to five-fold increase upon exposure to NIR. (7,8)
WORKOUT IN LESS TIME– Due to increased production of ATP and quick dilation of the microcirculatory system, a person can lessen warm-up time and work at a higher level of exertion without increasing blood pressure. (1,9,10)
DETOXIFY THE BODY– Increased blood circulation stimulates the sweat glands, releasing built-up toxins and waste. Sweat is the only way to remove certain carcinogenic PCBs, dioxins, phthalates, and volatile organic hydrocarbons. (11)
REDUCED VISIBLE CELLULITE– Cellulite is fat mixed with toxins that are trapped, in part due to an underactive circulatory system. Cellulite is so visible, in part due to weakened connective tissue. NIR helps rebuild connective tissue and has been shown to reduce cellulite. (12)
REJUVENATES SKIN– DNA Synthesis of fibroblasts, which affects the elasticity of skin, increase five-fold with NIR. The result is younger-looking, more beautiful skin. (1,7)
LESSENS JOINT AND MUSCLE PAIN & INCREASES FLEXIBILITY – Penetrating heat from NIR has long been proven to reduce pain and increase circulation to areas of discomfort. NIR has also been shown to significantly increase the range of flexibility. (13)
References 1. Whelan H.T., Buchmann, E.V., et al, NASA Light-Emitting Diode Medical Applications From Deep Space to Deep Sea 2. Wong-Riley M.T., Bai, X., et al, Light-Emitting Diode Treatment Reversed the Effect of TTX on Cytochrome Oxidase in Neurons 3. Mockel F., Hoffmann G., et al Einfulss von Wassergefiltertem Infrator A auf die Reduktion von Lokalem Fett und Korpergewicht unter Korperlicher Belastung 4. Gilligan D.M., Panza J.M., et al, Contribution of Endothelium-derived Nitric Oxide to Exercise-Induced Vasodilation 5. Lopes-Martins R.A., Marcos R.L., et al, Effect of Low Level Laser on Skeletal Muscle Fatigue Induced by Electrical Stimulation in Rats 6. Abou-Hala A.Z, Barbosa D.G., et al, Effects of the Infrared Lamp Illumination during the Process of Muscle Fatigue in Rats 7. Wong-Riley M.T., Whelan H.T., Effect of 670-nm Light Emitting Diode Light on Neuronal Cultures 8. Buchmann E.V., Dhokalia A., et al, Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation of Molecular Changes for Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice 9. Savard, G.K., Nielsen B., et al, Muscle Blood Flow is not reduced in Humans during Moderate Exercise and Heat Stress 10. Hannuksela M.L., Ellahham S., Benefits and Risks of Sauna Bathing 11. Rogers S., Reversing the Neuro-degeneration from Ubiquitous Environmental Endocrine Disruptors 12. Alster T.S., Tanzi E.L., Cosmetic Laser Therapy 13. Demura S., Noguchi T., and Matsuzawa J., Effect of Linear Polarized Near-infrared Irradiation on Flexibility of Shoulder and Ankle Joints 14. Christensen S.E., Jørgensen O.L., et al, Characterization of Growth Hormone Release in Response to External Heating
Ian Hart is a Body-Mind Transformation expert, the creator of EarthFIT Training Systems, co-creator of BACK PAIN RELIEF4LIFE, and founder of BEAUFORTPERSONALTRAINING.COM and MYBACKPAINCOACH.COM. Ian and his team help people get into optimal shape in the safest, fastest and most effective way possible, using cutting edge science.
As you may already know from past newsletters/emails/articles that one of my favorite emotions is gratitude 🙂 It’s an unwritten law that what you focus on expands…and when you focus on what you are grateful for, you get more of what you are grateful for and then some. One of the most powerful things you can do to change your day is a daily dozen gratitude list.
Write down 12 things that you FEEL grateful for in your life at this moment and see if it changes your perspective. The key is to FEEL gratitude, not just write it. When we feel gratefulness in our hearts, those powerful emotions are emitted out into the world and effect our entire universe for the better and that is a fact 🙂
Check out this video to see something similar take action. It should put a smile on your face.
P.P.S. We have a seminar coming in the near future that is going to BLOW YOUR MIND. This will raise the bar for any fitness program in the world and pieces of these “ninja tactics” will be revealed at the seminar. These simple yet powerful techniques can reduce pain, reduce stress, improve performance, improve strength, improve your digestive track, increase flexibility and mobility, assist in weight loss in a few minutes a day and that is just the tip of the ice berg! Plus we will be doing something I like to call a “paraworkout”. Be on on the look out for more details. You are not going to want to miss this one.
Ian Hart is a Body-Mind Transformation expert, the creator of EarthFIT Training Systems, co-creator of BACK PAIN RELIEF4LIFE, and founder of BEAUFORTPERSONALTRAINING.COM and MYBACKPAINCOACH.COM. Ian and his team help people get into optimal shape in the safest, fastest and most effective way possible, using cutting edge science.
YES! Contact me today to schedule a FREE no obligation consultation and trial workout.