Alexi Salamone - Training for Paralympics

Whenever one Olympic Games ends, another one begins.

Two weeks from now the world's best disabled athletes will descend upon Vancouver for the Winter Paralympics.

The name "Paralympics" comes from the games being held in "parallel" years to the summer and winter Olympics.

The 2010 Winter Paralympics will feature 1,350 athletes from around the world competing in events such as sled hockey, wheelchair curling and alpine skiing.

Opening Ceremonies take place March 12 and the games will conclude on March 21.

I don't know about you but I truly enjoy watching Olympics and the best of the world perform. The potential and the capacity of human performance fascinates me tremendously. 

However, my heart is touched on even a deeper level when I watch a paralympic athlete enjoy their sport such as Alexi Salamone, a true miracle on ice. It inspires me to see beyond the disabilities and trials of my own life and I feel encouraged in a new way.

In less than two weeks these athletes take it to the arenas in Vancouver. I hope Paralympics will receive more media coverage this year. I think we could all learn valuable lessons on courage, determination and passion.       

Tommi

Abdominal training progressions

I am a big fan of integrated abdominal training. I believe most of the "core training" should be done in a standing position with a combination of vertical and horizontal forms of resistance.  

However, sometimes you might have to start with exercises that will help the abdominal muscles to fire properly before moving into more integrated movement patterns. Here is an example of a core control exercise from Bill Hartmann's blog. I especially like the idea of the arms overhead pushing against the wall. This will reflexively activate the abdominal wall and teach subconscious muscle recruitment.   

 Progression towards the standing and more integrated position could go in the following way:

1. Supine

2. Prone

3. Kneeling

4. Standing

Think of the stages of early child development: from the back to the belly to more upright into eventually standing. This will help the adbominal wall and the "pillar" of core to become and effective and participating member of the total movement system. We don't do this progression with everyone, but for some who have trouble initiating the core control activity.

Here is another potential stage of the progression: Kneeling with horizontal resistance. This phase already requires a great team-work capacity between the hip (glutes/hip flexors) and the adbominal wall. As you already know so well, this exercise is for demonstrational purposes only.    

Thank you!

Tommi

PS: Don't forget to sign up for your free DYNAMIC WARM-UP METHOD REPORT!

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