Performance Reads of the Week - 8/14/16

By Performance Reads

This week we have 4 articles and another video on motor learning.  Don't miss it!


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The Scapula and Thoracic Spine

By: Dr. Quinn Henoch

The thoracic spine is the cornerstone of shoulder mobility. This article covers a few ways you can increase thoracic mobility, as well as its application to overhead movements.


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Applying Economic Theory to Training

By: Steve Olson

One of my favorite articles I have ever wrote! This one discusses training in terms of economic principles. It is the cornerstone of my foundational beliefs, because while training principles can change from person to person, these laws apply to everyone.


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Does Stretching Really Decrease Performance?

By: Mike Reinold

Debunking a popular myth in the training industry. No, static stretching does not decrease performance for the most part: its duration specific! Next week, a great article that expands upon this topic going over the research. Takeaway, if static stretching allows you to train something through a full range of motion to cement that increased range, do it!


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Organization of the Training Process

By: Yuri Verkhoshansky

Next in line of the Verkhoshansky articles, this one expands upon the previous by going deeper into the sequential organizational aspects of training. Again, a deep article that will take several reads to get through, so get your highlighter ready!


An Easy Drill to Enhance Thoracic Extension

By: Mike Reinold

A great thoracic mobility video by Mike Reinold.  Easy to instruct in large groups, and effective.  If you learn to build thoracic mobility, the shoulder blades are allowed to function in a 3 dimensional environment more efficiently, which immediately increases shoulder mobility.  Quit the banded rotations and get to work on the spine!