Introduction

Have you experienced an injury that just won't seem to heal? It may be time to look beyond the site of pain and consider the impact of stress on your body. 

In this episode of Biohacking Superhuman Performance, I chat with Charlie Cates about Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) - a unique approach to addressing pain and injury by focusing on the activation of inhibited muscles. Through targeted isometric contractions or manual stimulation, MAT aims to restore efficient muscle contraction, allowing the body to better withstand external forces and protect itself from pain and injury.

We discuss MAT compared to other modalities and the fact that MAT recognizes that the source of the problem may not always be local. This conversation offers advice on the benefits of MAT, and how it can increase longevity and physical freedom. By helping to heal and prevent long-term, nagging injuries, MAT can keep people engaged in their favorite activities.

Overall this episode offers guidance on using MAT to identify the true source of the pain problem, improve communication within the body, and keep muscles functioning well 

Charlie Cates graduated from Northeastern Illinois University, where he earned a Master of Science degree in exercise science. He specializes in helping his clients and community live healthier and stronger lives through exercise that is sustainable and pain-free. He is a certified Muscle Activation Techniques® practitioner and is one of Chicago’s most sought-after specialists for muscle and joint issues.

He authored the book “The Exercise For Life Method”, and co-hosts the Exercise Is Health® podcast with his wife, Julie. He has two amazing children who give him a greater reason to prioritize his health every single day. His current long-term goal is to have a dunk contest with his son when he is 50 years old.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible:

Neurohacker Collective: Visit neurohacker.com/nathalie and use code NATHALIE

BEAM Minerals: Get 20% at https://www.beamminerals.com by using the code Nathalie

Berkeley Life: Consumers may register and place an order using my code NIDDBL for 10% off at berkeleylife.com 

Find more from Charlie Cates:

To work with Charlie: www.exerciseforlifestudios.com | https://www.matschaumburg.com/ 

Instagram: @CharlieCates 

To find an MAT practitioner near you go to www.muscleactivation.com 

Find more from Nathalie:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ 

Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community 

Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i7d5m0 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/ 

Website: www.NatNiddam.com   

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance 

What We Discuss: 

(1:00) Getting started in MAT

(4:30) Muscular Activation Technique 

(12:00) MAT vs other modalities 

(19:00) Do emotions cause muscular dysfunction? 

(22:10) Fascia is the new black 

(24:10) What a MAT session is like 

(31:00) Common nagging injuries 

(39:00) Current developments for MAT 

(45:00) Find more from Charlie Cates

Key Takeaways:

• MAT aims to "activate" inhibited muscles through targeted isometric contractions or manual stimulation. Once activated, the muscles can contract more efficiently, withstanding greater external forces and protecting the body from pain or injury. MAT views these neurological weaknesses as communication issues rather than strength issues, and the assessment identifies positions where muscles cannot contract or sustain contraction on demand.

• MAT is different from other modalities in the fact that it specifically addresses the dormant muscles that aren’t working properly. 

• Just because the pain is local, doesn’t mean the problem is local. 

• If you want to be active, MAT can keep you active. It helps heal and prevent long-term, nagging injuries. It also helps people recover faster after surgery if they incorporate MAT before surgery. MAT offers longevity and physical freedom by keeping your muscles functioning well and even contributes to bone health.