Netters
I must say this is among the best dialogues on any topic I have seen
in a very long time. No accusatations, insults or innuendoes. Just a
frank discussion with what I think are some excellent points made.
Michael Bartolina wrote:
> Maximum efficiency per stride
> taken is what sprinters are aiming for, and (to over
> simplify) the more POSTURAL STRENGTH an individual
> posesses the more efficient each stride becomes.
To which Conway asked:
> Now that is interesting .. And I can see where that would be true .. Taken
> in direct context to the conversation would postural strength be more
> directly gained from the abdominal area and therefore through situps and
> other abdominal type exercises ?? And if so what then would be the drug
> tie - ability to do more ??
I think I might have some practised experience in this area. (No not
the drugs:). In regards to "postural strength" vs abdominal strength.
When I walk am trying to do what Michael said "Maximum
efficiency per stride" to do that I need to have postural strength.
When I am walking my best my abdominals are taught but not
contracted, more flattened. This forms the connective base to my
ribs where the cadence of my stride is set. It is the combined effort
of the psoas, spinae, obligues that initiate the movement. In every
step my abdominals are actively involved in a very conscious way.
It's not just ab strength but rather core muscles. The spinae in the
back and quadratus lumbarum, periformis, rhombiods, spoas as
well as traps and saratus. (Pleas pardon my spelling on some of
those.)
Some of these muscles are very hard to work and you have to be
very strong to hold the positions required. Recently, I took a yoga
class. For many years I have practised selective exercises for the
purposes of flexibility. I had no idea how much strength it required
to hold some of the positions involved. Especially, I was surprised at
how sore muscles under my shoulder blades and chest were. It
made me recall what a gymnastics coach told me about flexibility.
He said that "flexibility is strength in an extended position. (This
will get back to the drugs in a second.) I don't do sit ups per say but
rather very intensive extended abdominal exercises. One of the
reason that I can maintain technique so well at the end of a race is
because of the work I do in this area. When you are walking at a
rate of 205 steps per minute and your trunk is actively involved in
each step - well you can imagine. I can talk about those in another
post. I would love to compare some of the things I do with some of
the things Michael talks about. But another day.
This got longer then I intended so I split it. The next post is how I
think drugs might affect some one like myself.
Good Training,
Michael Rohl
