Raise Your Game With InMotion Sports Performance

A friend of mine coaches a team of young athletes and, much to my joy, recounts his “moments of win” every day. Yesterday’s moment was helping one young man finally conquer his nemesis and jump up onto a box. It seems so simple to the person standing on the sideline, just put your feet up there. What we tend to forget (and athletes and trainers intrinsically know) is that this seemingly simple move comes from perseverance and power – you don’t just jump up, you explode off the ground.

In order to achieve this power play, you’ve got to tap into a network of tendons, muscles and fascia. In fact, working with and to the benefit of your fascia is one of the keys to getting the most out of your body every time you step onto your field of play. For example, one single line of fascia tissue traverses your abdomen and drops over your hip and travels down your shin to your foot, where it loops under your arch like a sling. The angle of your pelvis literally affects the strength of your arches. Small tilts and angles created by old habits (like how you sit in a comfy chair) or new addiction (like your smart phone slouch) have a large impact. In other words, how much game you can bring depends on how much game you give up.

Next time watch a speed skater fly to the front of the pack or basketball player that seems unbound by gravity check take your eyes off the ball and look at how they’ve employed every advantage. See how his LeBron James’s fingers are splayed out? How his toes are turned upward? Look at Ohno’s shoulders, how he tilts forward but keeps his body in a line. Each one of these small movements is meant to take advantage of a powerful resource. Now look at some of their less savvy competitors. See that slump?