We have periodized running/swimming/biking/weight training, and periodized diets. Why don't we periodize our stretching and warm-up routines as well? There is quite a bit of controversy when it comes to stretching. Does it not make sense to periodize your stretching and warm-up routine?
BASE I-III
During your less intense base period stretching can be somewhat more static in nature with stretches being held for 10-15 seconds in duration. Performing these types of stretches before and after training is ideal. Foam rolling can also be incorporated into your warm-up along with 1 or 2 core movements (I like the plank, chin-up, or push-up). I usually follow the core activation phase with a short plyometric phase just prior to my main training set of running, cycling or weight training. As you progress through Base I to Base III training phases slowly reduce your stretching hold times until you are only holding your stretch for 1-2 seconds by your final Base III phase. You can slowly increase your activation exercises and plyometric warm-up as you progress through your Base I - III phases. Remember though to do very little plyometric warm-up and always step down off the box if doing box jumps. I never go over 25 box jumps in a single warm-up session and always precede box jumping with some light rope jumping. I feel that for masters level cyclists and triathletes this little extra plyometric activity pays big dividends as the season progresses by maintaining power levels on the bike and continually reminding the legs of that extra stress they receive in competition.
BUILD I & II
During your more intense build I and II phases of training your stretching can be more dynamic in nature with stretches only being held for 1 second or less. I know many physical therapists like holding a stretch for about 1-2 seconds as this reduces the micro tears in the muscle fiber. See what works for you.
As you progress through your build I and II phases your stretching routine in both your warm-up and cool down periods will become more and more dynamic until you are ultimately performing leg swings, arm swings, and isolation stretching of about 1 second. Definitely avoid long holds at this point in your training and use the extra time available due to shorter holds in order to hit more and more body parts.
This sounds like a great deal of time but in reality you can foam roll, stretch out and activate your muscles in about 15 minutes if you really get to it. Avoid over stretching in all phases but especially in you build I and II phases.
Monday
Washington Camp MTB Ride
This is increasingly becoming my favorite ride. Here is the link to a googlemaps video of this 1 hour hill climb. I is right behind my house and really is a spiritual ride, very peaceful ride where you can settle in on your mountain bike and get about 2,000 feet of climbing in almost everyday if you like.
Thursday
Single Leg Split Squat
I just recently posted on TP about performing single leg split squats and thought I would add this video to anyone interested in what I was talking about. I use to be a gym rat who loved to through on the weight in the back squat until my knee finally started crying out.
I ultimately got into triathlon to prove to myself I could still run again. However, after years competing in triathlon and neglecting the weights I began to actually feel less athletic....not more, due to the repetitive nature and tearing down this sport can have on one's body.
Since rededicating myself to becoming a multi-dimensional athlete I knew better than to return to my bodybuilding days where packing on useless muscle was the goal. I wanted to become an athlete who could do a lateral single leg squat if necessary or sprint 100 meters at top speed or bike 100 miles at a competitive pace. I have also found that quite a few endurance athletes are searching for these qualities as well. This exercise above is just one of the movements that you can do to both improve your performance and also your overall functional strength.
Wednesday
State of the Exercising Mind
There are relatively few studies that have proven the link between exercise and the reduction of anxiety and depression. However, anyone who has returned from the gym, a long bike ride, or a successful competition realizes the powerful affect exercise can have on one's mental health.
As we say in psychology,"Normal is a setting on a washing machine.". Being normal just doesn't exist. Some problems are more debilitating than others but for most of us we are able to get out of bed and face life. Some days better than others.
I have always wondered what role exercise plays in not just our physical health but also in our mental health. It is quite apparent to me that endurance training provides relief for those suffering from most anxiety disorders and possibly even depression. The danger of using exercise as an intervention for common mental inhibitors is the same as using medication. The right amount is critical. Too much and you get all kinds of negative things happening. Not enough, and you don't get the maximum benefit of the exercise. In addition, you need the right amount but also at the right time to prevent boredom and excessive mental fatigue.
There seems to be many parallels with exercise and medication for both physical problems as well as mental problems. Many, if not all, physical ailments can be either eliminated or lessened by a reasonable amount of exercise coupled with a healthy diet. What is the most common thing your doctor says when you enter their office? Do you exercise? Do you eat right? However, rarely does a psychologist and/or psychiatrist prescribe exercise in oder to reduce anxiety or lesson depression. Why not? In my opinion exercise has as much positive benefit to one's mental health as it does to one's physical health.
Another related aspect psychology has with medicine is the prescription of medication. The quick fix. Just take this pill and you don't have to do anything. You will feel better. Lose weight. You will be happy both mentally and physically just by taking a couple pills everyday. Again, it is well established that taking pills to improve one's general health (blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity)works. However, it also well established that changes in diet and exercise can provide almost the exact physical health benefits. But again, very rarely is exercise and diet prescribed to one suffering from generalized anxiety disorders, depression not otherwise specified, and a host of other DSM-IV disorders that are commonly treated with medication.
On the other hand, exercise, just like medication, can be abused. Too much is not good either, nor is it very healthy. For many, exercise can be used as a socially acceptable method of avoiding life's responsibilities and facing life's inevitable challenges. For many, training for long distance triathlons, ultra-distance marathons, and the like are not as much about challenging themselves physically as they are about avoiding some mental aspect in their life and/or dealing with possible post traumatic stress that has never been resolved. A may also be a form of narcisism. Either way, these events are definitely less about physical fitness than they are about some other factor in one's life that is being compensated for. Is this bad? I really don't know the answer to that. I believe it isn't so bad if the only one being affected is the person in these types of events. However, a father who is never around for his son or wife and/or a wife who avoids her husband or daughter in order to train is definitely not healthy from a psychological perspective. Is it possible to do both? I imagine so...especially when considering shorter endurance events and the reduced commitments necessary to train and be competitive.
As we say in psychology,"Normal is a setting on a washing machine.". Being normal just doesn't exist. Some problems are more debilitating than others but for most of us we are able to get out of bed and face life. Some days better than others.
I have always wondered what role exercise plays in not just our physical health but also in our mental health. It is quite apparent to me that endurance training provides relief for those suffering from most anxiety disorders and possibly even depression. The danger of using exercise as an intervention for common mental inhibitors is the same as using medication. The right amount is critical. Too much and you get all kinds of negative things happening. Not enough, and you don't get the maximum benefit of the exercise. In addition, you need the right amount but also at the right time to prevent boredom and excessive mental fatigue.
There seems to be many parallels with exercise and medication for both physical problems as well as mental problems. Many, if not all, physical ailments can be either eliminated or lessened by a reasonable amount of exercise coupled with a healthy diet. What is the most common thing your doctor says when you enter their office? Do you exercise? Do you eat right? However, rarely does a psychologist and/or psychiatrist prescribe exercise in oder to reduce anxiety or lesson depression. Why not? In my opinion exercise has as much positive benefit to one's mental health as it does to one's physical health.
Another related aspect psychology has with medicine is the prescription of medication. The quick fix. Just take this pill and you don't have to do anything. You will feel better. Lose weight. You will be happy both mentally and physically just by taking a couple pills everyday. Again, it is well established that taking pills to improve one's general health (blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity)works. However, it also well established that changes in diet and exercise can provide almost the exact physical health benefits. But again, very rarely is exercise and diet prescribed to one suffering from generalized anxiety disorders, depression not otherwise specified, and a host of other DSM-IV disorders that are commonly treated with medication.
On the other hand, exercise, just like medication, can be abused. Too much is not good either, nor is it very healthy. For many, exercise can be used as a socially acceptable method of avoiding life's responsibilities and facing life's inevitable challenges. For many, training for long distance triathlons, ultra-distance marathons, and the like are not as much about challenging themselves physically as they are about avoiding some mental aspect in their life and/or dealing with possible post traumatic stress that has never been resolved. A may also be a form of narcisism. Either way, these events are definitely less about physical fitness than they are about some other factor in one's life that is being compensated for. Is this bad? I really don't know the answer to that. I believe it isn't so bad if the only one being affected is the person in these types of events. However, a father who is never around for his son or wife and/or a wife who avoids her husband or daughter in order to train is definitely not healthy from a psychological perspective. Is it possible to do both? I imagine so...especially when considering shorter endurance events and the reduced commitments necessary to train and be competitive.
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