Maximizing Performance Through Core Training

Let me start by stating we do PERFORMANCE TRAINING. Many people confuse what we do with “core training.” Core training is a small component of performance training. It would be like telling a basketball coach that he only coaches dribbling.

In order to better understand core training, we must first define the core. The core is the area from your hips up to your shoulders. We also refer to that region as your trunk. Many people mistaken the core for just the abdomen and lower back, but it also includes the upper back, chest, and hips. With core training, there is a progression we follow. As I mentioned in a previous post on the performance training pyramid, performance training follows a stability, strength, power progression. Core training follows that same progression. First, we start by working on core stability. Next, we train for core strength. Finally, we train the core to produce power. [CONTINUE READING THIS POST..]

The Performance Training Pyramid

Our training methodology consists of three main sections, Joint Stability/Mobility, Strength, and Power. Each section has multiple phases and progressions. It is similar to a pyramid as you must first start with a solid foundation, Joint Stability/Mobility. The Strength section is then built upon this base and then finally Power can be developed.

One of the faults of traditional training programs was that they ignored the Joint Stability/Mobility aspect of training. Traditional or “Old School” strength coaches like to see heavy weights being lifted and take pride in developing massive muscles. [CONTINUE READING THIS POST..]