#313 : How To Strengthen And Stretch Your Hip Flexors For A Better Kick with Carl Reader
Dec 27, 2023
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Expert in exercise physiology and Pilates, Carl Reader, discusses exercises to improve movement patterns for swimmers. Topics include modified squats for hip flexor activation, sumo squats for inner thigh muscles and knee stabilization, addressing imbalances, and the body's electrical system. Tune in for tips on enhancing swimming performance through improved movement.
A modified squat can help swimmers improve mobility in their lower back, upper thoracic spine, inner thigh, groin, and hamstrings while activating and strengthening the hip flexors.
Swimmers can target and strengthen their adductor muscles by performing the sumo squat, which can aid in knee stabilization and release tension in the hips.
Deep dives
Modified Squat for Improved Mobility
A modified squat can be a helpful exercise for swimmers with limited mobility in their lower back, upper thoracic spine, inner thigh, groin, and hamstrings. By raising the heels slightly, about half an inch or one and a half centimeters, the tension in the lower back, calves, and hamstrings is reduced, allowing swimmers to squat down deeper without straining their knees. This modified squat also activates and strengthens the hip flexors, which can help release tightness in that area. Various objects like a rolled-up towel or a mat can be used to elevate the heels during this exercise.
Benefits of the Sumo Squat
The sumo squat, where the feet are positioned wider than the knees, targets the inner thigh muscles, known as adductor muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing the knees during swimming, squatting, and stair climbing. By using a wider stance in the sumo squat, swimmers can activate and strengthen these adductor muscles. This exercise can also help release tension in the hips, particularly beneficial for swimmers with tight hips. It is important to find a comfortable range of motion in the squat and be mindful of any tension in the back or imbalances in order to perform the exercise effectively.
Addressing Movement Patterns for Improved Performance
Many swimmers exhibit a right-side dominant movement pattern, resulting in imbalances and potential complications. This pattern is often influenced by factors such as being right-handed, analytical thinking, or previous injuries. To address this, exercises focused on rotating onto the left side and pushing from the right glutes to the left side can be beneficial. By retraining the body to engage both sides equally and ensuring proper alignment, swimmers can improve shoulder and back issues associated with the right-side dominance. Consistency and body awareness, along with the guidance of a coach or trainer, contribute to long-term success in improving movement patterns.
In this episode, Carl Reader, an expert in exercise physiology and Pilates, discusses exercises that can improve movement patterns for swimmers. He focuses on the modified squat, which enhances mobility and activates the hip flexors, and the sumo squat, which targets inner thigh muscles and aids in knee stabilization. Carl emphasizes the importance of addressing imbalances and discusses the electrical system of the body. Tune in to learn how to enhance your swimming performance through improved movement patterns.
00:00 Introduction and Background 2:11 Modified Squat 4:53 Using Slant Boards and Rolled Mats for Better Squatting and Hip Flexor Activation 6:29 Sumo Squat 8:15 Understanding the Depth of Squats: Finding Comfort and Avoiding Back Strain 12:55 Common Movement Patterns in Swimmers 16:29 The Importance of Addressing Shoulder Imbalances in Swimming 19:49 Barefoot: Exploring the Connection Between Movement and Grounding 23:03 Muscle Warm-Up and Understanding the Body's Electrical System 24:48 Why patience and dedication are important for building strength and mobility 26:01 Get in touch with Carl!
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