I'm not sure how many NBA fans we have out there anymore but the conference championships this year have been outstanding. The NBA had an identity crisis a few years ago when players decided to mix it up with the taunting fans. Not good. But there have been several times in history where ONE person can influence an entire culture change. For the NBA, it is LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Just when it looked like you could fold up the NBA this "kid" (now 24) with three straight high school championships comes out and decides to take over the league. And he has kept his nose clean (pardon the pun) and been an absolute joy to watch.
Did anyone catch the now famous "LeBron shot" heard round the world Friday night? With his team down 2 points with one second to go, King James took the inbound pass, turned and nailed a 23 foot three point buzzer beater. WOW! My family and I are rooting for the Cavaliers so we jumped off the couch in utter disbelief. I had given up on them, thinking they didn't have a chance. But as all things go in life, it's not over until it's over.
After the game, the announcers (previous NBA players) were discussing how LeBron and Kobe Bryant practice crazy shots in anticipation of these exact circumstances. LeBron routinely shoots 40-50 foot jump shots in practice. They also take shots off balance, in different positions and with different hands. Triple teamed or wide open.
This ties right in with Z health's concept of specificity, namely, predictability. The body LOVES predictability. When the body is unsure of a movement, it may feel it's a threat and go into startle. As I watched "King James" nail his game winning shot he did not demonstrate any tension in his face or hands. He had done this many times before as they practice, practice, practice these shots.
So when you see people doing amazing things, realize the power of practice but also the power of specificity. Z's concept of doing the exercises exactly and precisely applies here. As much as practice makes perfect, it is important to have PERFECT PRACTICE.
Go Cavs!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Reflections on the NSCA Spring Conference
The NSCA clinic was Fri/Saturday at the fine Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington. It is a great place to have a conference, the only better would have been outside! Friday night had four hours of info from some of our solid members: Mike Favre, Larry Meadors/Scott Sahli (president of the MN chapter), Sean Armstead and the unrelated Nelsons (Brad & Mike T).
Saturday started with an hour long presentation by Bud Bjornaraa where he proved that in his 70s he STILL HAS IT. That guy is amazing for ANY age, and gave some great "off the beaten path" ways of fitness. After that we had 3 hours of hands on training at three different stations. I started with Mike and Brad Nelson's "Walk before you run" series, which is based on Z Health "S Phase" training protocols. It was tremendous, and I can't wait until December when I get to go through it. The next station was with Larry/Scott going over the olympic lifts. Not sure if its Z health or what, but I felt a lot better than I did two years ago at this same station. The power output derived from these lifts is amazing and cannot be denied -I feel like I should throw some of these in my routine!
The third station was with Mike Favre and he put us through some Zercher lifts/circuits and rope work. After that, another we had another four hours, starting with Mike Favre going through some program design strategies he has implemented at the US Olympic center in Colorado. Next, Ryan Johnson the strength coach of Wayzata spoke about how he has built it up the program to hundreds of participants. I met briefly with him, and plan on stopping by the school sometime soon. Brad Gillingham and Dave Ostlund chatted about powerlifting and strongman and showed how the two training styles were similar in some ways and different in others. Both of them had blown biceps to show for it - OUCH! Brad pulled a PR DL of 881 about eight months after the repair, so its proof that at age 43 you can still rebound.
Finally, Rich Heilman wrapped up the conference with the polar opposite of Brad/Dave, that of marathon and Iron Man training. He told of the ins and outs and how to peak the training in all three events. I have newfound respect for these athletes (not that I didn't already) but the mental aspect is extraordinary. Swimming 2.5 MILES and getting kicked and slapped while doing it doesn't sound that easy. Then biking 112 miles in 100 degree heat with toxic volcanic residue filling the air (in the mountains) isn't a picnic either. Oh yeah, and then go run a full marathon! After listening I felt liked I ran one...wow. Bottom line I am proud to have my CSCS and be part of the NSCA. If doctors the world over still put the CSCS intitals after their name that surely says something.
As for the soreness I felt today, it proves that a person needs to mix up their training frequently and strive for same, but different. Work with a trainer to help set up your goals and now which energy systems are required for your specific sport. But be sure that your body is ready, and that is where Z health comes into play. Everything must be firing in order for you to be at your best. While I am sore today I can still move around. And the soreness is in areas that were not working properly before - especially in my hip area and the psoas. This is a GOOD thing! Contact me if you want to be at your best.
Saturday started with an hour long presentation by Bud Bjornaraa where he proved that in his 70s he STILL HAS IT. That guy is amazing for ANY age, and gave some great "off the beaten path" ways of fitness. After that we had 3 hours of hands on training at three different stations. I started with Mike and Brad Nelson's "Walk before you run" series, which is based on Z Health "S Phase" training protocols. It was tremendous, and I can't wait until December when I get to go through it. The next station was with Larry/Scott going over the olympic lifts. Not sure if its Z health or what, but I felt a lot better than I did two years ago at this same station. The power output derived from these lifts is amazing and cannot be denied -I feel like I should throw some of these in my routine!
The third station was with Mike Favre and he put us through some Zercher lifts/circuits and rope work. After that, another we had another four hours, starting with Mike Favre going through some program design strategies he has implemented at the US Olympic center in Colorado. Next, Ryan Johnson the strength coach of Wayzata spoke about how he has built it up the program to hundreds of participants. I met briefly with him, and plan on stopping by the school sometime soon. Brad Gillingham and Dave Ostlund chatted about powerlifting and strongman and showed how the two training styles were similar in some ways and different in others. Both of them had blown biceps to show for it - OUCH! Brad pulled a PR DL of 881 about eight months after the repair, so its proof that at age 43 you can still rebound.
Finally, Rich Heilman wrapped up the conference with the polar opposite of Brad/Dave, that of marathon and Iron Man training. He told of the ins and outs and how to peak the training in all three events. I have newfound respect for these athletes (not that I didn't already) but the mental aspect is extraordinary. Swimming 2.5 MILES and getting kicked and slapped while doing it doesn't sound that easy. Then biking 112 miles in 100 degree heat with toxic volcanic residue filling the air (in the mountains) isn't a picnic either. Oh yeah, and then go run a full marathon! After listening I felt liked I ran one...wow. Bottom line I am proud to have my CSCS and be part of the NSCA. If doctors the world over still put the CSCS intitals after their name that surely says something.
As for the soreness I felt today, it proves that a person needs to mix up their training frequently and strive for same, but different. Work with a trainer to help set up your goals and now which energy systems are required for your specific sport. But be sure that your body is ready, and that is where Z health comes into play. Everything must be firing in order for you to be at your best. While I am sore today I can still move around. And the soreness is in areas that were not working properly before - especially in my hip area and the psoas. This is a GOOD thing! Contact me if you want to be at your best.
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