Free-Tip Tuesday Volume XXXVII: Guide to Not Becoming a P.I.T.A.

Whether it’s a bum knee, a wrecked back, or a cranky shoulder; as we’ve discussed all month long more and more people’s bodies are just falling apart.  Long-term daily aches and pains have become ‘normal’.  But it doesn’t have to be that way. Regardless of the site of your grief, make use of the following R.U.L.E.’s in order to prevent yourself from becoming - or developing - a PITA (or anywhere else!).

 

1.     Recover – Put as much effort into your recovery as you do your training. Focus on consistently getting enough sleep, managing stress, and eating well to fuel your efforts. These things are just as – if not more – important than the training itself.

 

2.      Utilize– Proper progressions and sound exercise programming.  Check your ego and take into account your mobility deficiencies, experience, and skill level when deciding which exercises to perform, how much, and how often to do them.

 

3.       Learn – Get coached up on HOW to perform said exercises. Learn neutral spine, vertical shin, packed shoulders, etc. Just as importantly, learn NOT to flare elbows or allow your ribs to flare out.

 

4.      Enhance – MOBILITY. Foam Rolling and massage combined with mobility drills to target your specific deficiencies well help ensure you are moving WELL before you move OFTEN.