Preaching to the choir but I thought I would post this here anyway.
Wobble boards, foam pads, swis balls, bosu balls, and
inflatable rubber discs...
You'll find them in most gyms and training facilities
nowadays. In fact, chances are you've used these types of
devices with your clients and athletes.
But the big question is this...
Could it really be possible that these devices actually
INCREASE their chances of injury - while DECREASING their
ability to get stronger?
Sadly, the answer is yes...
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying "unstable surface
training" is bad. Indeed, there are some very good uses of
these types of boards and balls.
However, without a proper understanding of when to use
unstable surface training (and a thorough understanding of
why), the risks go WAY up while the benefits go way down.
Excitingly, my good friend Eric Cressey has just released a
fantastic book called: "The Truth About Unstable Surfaces
Training."
This book is a culmination of more than three years of
research, experimentation, and analysis. In fact, the
foundation of this book is based on Cressey's own research
at the University of Connecticut. The rest is based on his
experience coaching high level athletes.
In "The Truth About Unstable Surfaces Training" Cressey will
walk you through the following:
* The origins of unstable surface training
* The problems with research-to-date on unstable
surface training, and why you've been mislead
* The difference between balance and stability
* The five factors affecting one's stability, and
how you can modify them to become a more stable
athlete
* How unstable surfaces alter muscular recruitment
patterns - and how you can use those alterations to
your advantage or disadvantage
* The actual science - and research data - that
quantifiably justifies or refutes specific uses of
unstable surface training
* Guidelines for when and how to implement unstable
surface training to maximize training efficiency and
help you avoid wasting time and effort
* How unstable surface training can help or hinder
performance in different athletes
* How unstable surfaces can increase the risk of
injury in some populations, while actually
rehabilitating others
* Guidelines for alternative, more sport-specific
instability approaches when unstable surface
training is not the best avenue to pursue
* 21 different stability progression models
encompassing over 50 exercises with photos and
descriptions
* How to train balance for maximum functional
carryover and superior athletic performance
If you're a fitness professional, this is one resource you
absolutely need to have in your library. The lessons you'll
learn will be invaluable.
However, if you're a fitness professional who has used (or
continues to use) unstable surface training with your
clients, I recommend grabbing this book immediately.
Click here to learn more about Cressey's new book:
http://www.precisionnutrition.com/cmd.php?page=409721
