Blog

Welcome to the Excelsior blog. It is a mix of current research and thoughts on Athlete and Coach Development, Strength and Conditioning and personal reflections.

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Thanks for taking the time to read it.

James Marshall

1. Redundant core work

   18th February 2010 11:35 am

   I am hearing a lot from athletes that they do “core” sessions 3 times a week. They then are unable to stand on one leg, or do a press up properly.  This is an example of redundant work- if it has no impact on how you stand, balance or move- then it is just for show.

   Ask the question- how is this actually helping me?

   0 Comments | Read More | musculo skeletal screening

2. Equestrian Fitness

   8th February 2010 9:55 am

   I am wrong. Not often I say those words, but I am happy to admit it on this occasion. I have previously had a very negative experience working with an equestrian rider, and it tarnished my view of the whole bunch (and their domineering mothers).
   

   0 Comments | Read More | javorek

3. Rafael Nadal Tennis Injury

   29th January 2010 9:24 am

   So Rafael Nadal has withdrawn injured from a Grand Slam tournament – again. Andy Murray marches on to the final, relatively injury free.
   This isn’t the first time that the trainers and physios have had an impact on the outcome of an important match, this report from last year’s U.S. Open:

   0 Comments | Read More | tennis, Tennis injuries

4. The 4 pillars of athletic wisdom

   27th January 2010 6:58 am

   Working with Andy Larmour from Ocean physio last week screening some athletes, he uses a phrase describing the 4 pillars that are necessary for athletes to succeed physically:

   Posture
   Strength
   Flexibility
   Control

   Andy reckons that if the athletes have these 4 pillars well formed, then their foundation is solid and we can build on that for performance.

   0 Comments | Read More |

5. Healthy Diet – advice

   25th January 2010 1:05 pm

   This advice from the 2nd World War is pretty good.
   

   0 Comments | Read More |

6. How to make an athlete efficient

   20th January 2010 6:51 am

   ef·fi·cien·cy