At an early age, I learned the fast difference of those who face challenges head on as opposed to those who allow the window of opportunity to slam shut. It is dreadfully politically incorrect as well as inflammatory but equally truthful as there are those who will always find a way to succeed and those who will be vanquished. Success is a pattern of behaviour and far removed from the bravado that dominates the commentary of many. There are no “short-cuts” to success or quick fix solutions but simply a roll-up your sleeves mentality of getting the tough job done.
I learned this early in life and whether it is improving your personal life, having a productive career or successful in athletics, the roots of success are feeds from nectar of hard work. While, I was born far from the right side of tracks and the silver spoon was never close, I captured the notion of out working the competition at an early age.
Yet working hard is not the complete answer to the problem because you also must know how to apply yourself correctly. This has come in handy because while I have been credited by many as the “father of functional fitness”, due to many sports related injuries I have also faced the challenge of trying to regain full health after debilitating injury.
I can honestly say I have never suffered a training injury since I formed my theories on sports conditioning but due to my exhaustive schedule in competition, I have had a dossier full of tough falls, collisions and if you add in a “few” auto and motorbike crashes, recovery from the training table has been a unfortunate constant.
Recovering from injury starts first with proper counsel of licensed medical practitioner. I am stating this very succinctly because one of the unfortunate habits that has occurred with the growth of the internet is the online “expert”, who typically is not qualified to provide an opinion. While offering assistance is certainly a “positive” element of online community, within needs requiring medical attention the first step is a hands-on visit to your local doctor or clinic. Let me also stress, that a professional trainer, regardless of their experience or “expert” position in the field, is not a physician and if they wish to be one, should attend medical school.
Step two with recovery from injury is following the prescribed steps of medical counsel. I (sarcastically) warrant both of these points will not be welcomed in the online community that dispenses medical opinion as quick as it can cut and paste, when you are dealing with your overall health, please seek proper counsel and apply their plan.
Each of these points are critical in recovering from exercise but after receiving medical clearance to return to exercise, then its time to “turn the heat up” within your overall recovery. My overall plan of recovery that was first hinted at online with the “FIX™” system returns to basics of overall movement generation and the ability to maintain posture while under duress.
This is likely one of the greatest flaws in returning from injury because most dedicated exercise enthusiasts and athletes are so anxious to return, they jump into training without taking the time to dissect they are generating movement correctly. The examples are endless, from athletes returning from knee injuries and distorting the Squat into a torso lift or issues with gait with extreme challenges of ankle sprains. While repetitious, in returning from injury be patient, ensure the pattern of movement is correct and re-establish the base of overall athleticism.
A perfect example of working on the “little things” that on the surface look basic but in-fact considerably difficult is the RED2 system. While incorrect foot strike as well as lacking appropriate weight transfer is typical in most walking lunges, RED2 forces the user to ingrain proper patterns of movement where action comes off the big toe. The remarkable side to this system is users find power production increases dramatically, with athletes showing extraordinary gains in Squats / Explosive jumps as well as performing sporting skills, such as kicking or throwing a ball.
Summarily when returning from injury, obtain a qualified medical opinion, follow their advice to the letter and after receiving clearance to return to training, re-establish the base of overall athleticism and ensure proper movement pattern. Patience is a key in returning from injury, as you must look at finite movements to ensure negative or less-efficient patterns have not occurred due to muscular imbalance / trauma. That warning aside, for athletes looking to lower the risk of injury and enhance recovery back in the untimely event, perform regeneration work when fully fit.
prepared by John Davies
photos credit: John Davies in the DVD "Pink, les séances de Paris" from Renegade Style Productions scheduled for release in late 2011.
Disclaimer
The information provided in “Instant Training Improvement Tips”, as well as this web-site blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should it be interpreted as medical advice for any condition. Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program. By reading this disclaimer, you hereby agree and understand that the information provided in this column is not medical advice and relying upon it shall be done at your sole risk.
