The mind-muscle connection refers to the conscious effort to focus one’s attention on the contraction of a specific muscle or muscle group during exercise. This practice involves mentally engaging with the working muscle, aiming to isolate and enhance its activation without relying solely on the movement’s mechanical execution. Using this focus, individuals can potentially achieve […]
Levers play a pivotal role in the human body, facilitating movement, lifting, and the application of force. These mechanisms are not only fundamental to machines but also are integral to our body’s functionality. This Muscle and Motion article delves into the three types of levers found within the human body: first-class, second-class, and third-class levers, […]
In recent years, the topic of strengthening the iliopsoas muscle has sparked considerable interest and questions. One prevalent question is the necessity of additional strengthening for this muscle, particularly given its significant role in forward motion. In this Muscle and Motion article, I will answer those questions as a physical therapist and personal trainer. […]
Running is a popular form of exercise and sport that offers numerous health benefits. Adding yoga to your running routine can elevate your performance and flexibility while reducing injury risks and serving as a tool in rehabilitation. In this Muscle and Motion article, we explore the prevalent injuries among runners and examine how yoga can […]
Anterior knee pain (AKP) includes multiple conditions, with patellofemoral pain being the most common. It can affect many people’s success in the gym and in day-to-day life. Clinical findings associated with AKP According to Mc Clinton et al. 2020 clinical findings associated with AKP may include the following: patellar hypermobility hypo-mobility impaired quadriceps or hip […]
Plyometric exercises, often referred to as jump training or “plyos,” are dynamic and explosive movements designed to increase strength, speed, and overall athletic performance. These exercises can significantly enhance your physical capabilities and are ideal for both upper- and lower-body training. This Muscle and Motion article offers an in-depth guide to building a plyometric training […]
Plyometric exercises involve explosive movements designed to increase strength, speed, and agility. By engaging the stretch-shortening cycle of the muscles, these exercises leverage the force of elastic energy to improve athletic performance. This Muscle and Motion article delves into the science behind plyometrics, outlines beginner and advanced techniques, and offers advice on integrating these powerful […]
Lifting objects from the ground is an essential daily activity we all regularly perform. For many years, we used to believe lifting with spinal flexion could be a risk factor for lower back injuries and pain. Today, we know lifting with a flexed spine is not necessarily harmful, and there is no one way to […]
Eccentric contractions are a type of muscle contraction in which the muscle-tendon complex lengthens and contracts at the same time. This type of contraction has several distinct traits distinguishing it from other contractions, potentially resulting in unique adaptations. Due to its particular physiological and mechanical characteristics, eccentric muscle work has garnered growing attention for rehabilitation […]
3 Exercises to Target the Rectus Abdominis Muscle The rectus abdominis is one of the four abdominal muscles located in the anterior abdominal region and running vertically along the midline of the abdomen, extending from the pubic bone to the sternum. The rectus abdominis is responsible for posterior pelvic tilt (PPT) and spine flexion. […]