Supertraining

Hi Chad,

I agree with you about the difference between passive and active flexibility
and it's one of the reasons isolation testing is very hit or miss.
Furthermore, in most cases the need for static stretching can be negated
with full ROM exercises that enhance flexibility. However, the talar glide
motion will occur during dorsiflexion due to gravity/ground reactive
forces/momentum and it's not about actively contracting the anterior
musculature of the lower legs during a squat. So, in this case passive
flexibility and dynamic flexibility are very much mutually inclusive. 

p.s. Your wall test might very well be true for some people, but it's not a
litmus test for all. For instance, it's not uncommon for someone to have an
under active "weak" psoas and over active "strong" glutes and still lack
ankle flexibility. 

Best regards, 
Todd Langer, MSc, CES, Rolfer
Boulder, CO    

 
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From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Behalf Of Chad Scheitel
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 8:13 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [Supertraining] Re: Overhead Squat Progress

 

People shift their weight forward onto the ball of the
foot because their glutes are not strong enough to
push the heel down when in the extreme position. If
want to test this just have someone do a wall sit with
their legs at 90 degrees. People obviously will not
have "ankle flexibility" issues at this joint angle
but they will still shift their weight to the front of
the foot and lift the heel up when they become
fatigued. This is because they want to use their
stronger quads and not use the weaker tired glutes.

Oh and one more thing, what kind of "flexibility" is
everyone talking about?? Many people may have great
passive flexibility in all of the joints you are
talking about, but once you ask them to do a movement
they are unable to relax and contract the appropriate
muscles at the appropriate times unabling them to do
the motion you are talking about (an Overhead Squat in
this case). Developing these kinds of abilities are a
lot more complex than just having someone do static
stretching for the muscle groups talked about. 

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