Sunday, November 14, 2010

Out-dated methods - shame, shame, shame!

Imagine if this was a respone my last post generated (just imagining of course):

"My understanding from studies concerning this issue that I have read, are simply stating that static stretching prior to physical exercise causes a decrease in force output of muscle tissue (poor performance). The studies opt for dynamic stretching prior and static stretching at the end of physical exercise. I do believe we need to read ANY study with a "critical eye", but we shouldn't be to bold as to suggest motive when we simply do not want to let go of dated methods."

Ah, studies, studies, studies. I am glad we have studies to guide us from 'outdated methods'. I am glad I didn't squat until the mid 1990s because studies didn't support it. In fact, they discouraged it. I am glad I didn't start using a multi-vitamin until after the 2002 JAMA study said it may be prudent.  I am glad I didn't use protein powders or amino acids unitl the 1990s because only then were there studies supporting it.

And it's unfortunate I just can't let go of out-dated methods. You know, some people even still use the missionary sex position - and as our great-great grandparents and their grand parents before them and so on probably did the same, that's really outdated.....Shame, shame, shame!

YOU JUST CAN'T USE SOMETHNING THAT ANOTHER PERSON/S LABELS AS OUTDATEd!

And while we are being open and confessing, I must admit to using a barbell...And I believe my great uncle Vinny also trained with one, so I know I really should let go of that outdated method....

Isn't it great that most of use don't do outdated stuff! But those who do - don't they know that is not acceptable?!

Now thats ANOTHER logical reason not to static stetch - it's outdated!!!

More than that - it's another FEAR based reason - fear that you may not be 'up-to-date' with the latest 'trends' and 'science'....

After so many decades you would have thought I would have learnt to conform...and if I haven't, a response like this imaginary email may surely guide me to conformity...

..we need to ...

...we shouldn't ...

And Ian, stop being so brave as to sugest motive....how dare you. After all, there is at least one other person (I know, a few more!) that strongly believes you have no right to form an opinion outside the boundaries of the dominant beliefs....

Let's get real clear - I don't give a rat's arse what you belive in or do in training, In fact, the more f-up the methods used, the easier for otheres to succeed in competitive sport etc.  My goal is simply to let those who do have some semblance of belief that they were born with a brain and intuition that it still works, and they are allowed to use it if they want...that there may be an altenrative to the dominant beliefs - as threatening as that may be to some......

Quick question if I may - do the studies show that 'out-dated' is sub-optimal? I sure hope so, because I need those words to cling on to....

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Static stretching fear mongering

I recently received a thesis study conducted in the US and shared with me by a coach out of austria, which i appreciated.

Here are some thoughts I shared in return.

Note the aim (or at least my aim) of static stretching is not necessarily to in the acute sense enhance or detract VJ height.

Nor is eating a large meal full of high fibre protein in the acute sense intended to enhance or detract from training ability or work capacity.

Why don't we see studies about how eating large, heavy meals followed immediately by DJ results in a decease in DJ height?

Because it is not the trend of thinking.

The only reason the relationship between stretching and jumping is hypothesized about, discussed, studied etc, is because there is an influencing drive to find rationale sounding reasons not static stretch.

Why? Because we will reduce injuries and negatively impact the pharmaceutical industry

Now there is a hypyoethesis we won't be reading about in our life time - that accurate teaching of SS results in a decrease in pharacuetical industry gross income.....