Fredrik Correa, Co-founder and CEO of Exxentric, shares his deep expertise in flywheel training, which offers a unique resistance mechanism that adapts to the user's effort. He discusses how this method improves strength and performance, particularly for golfers looking to enhance their swing speed. The conversation also delves into golf swing mechanics, the importance of eccentric training for strength, and the future of training and rehabilitation. Additionally, Fredrik emphasizes the value of investing in quality training equipment that enhances athletic performance.
Flywheel training provides a dynamic resistance that adapts to user effort, enhancing strength development beyond traditional weightlifting methods.
Fredrik Correa's diverse background in engineering, sports science, and medicine uniquely informs his approach to strength and power training.
Future research on flywheel training aims to clarify its effects on specific athletic performance and injury prevention, benefiting a broader audience.
Deep dives
Introduction to Flywheel Training
Flywheel training represents a novel approach to resistance training that offers significant benefits over traditional methods. Unlike standard weightlifting, which relies on gravity and fixed loads, flywheel systems utilize a rotating flywheel to create resistance that adapts to the user's effort. This means that the resistance increases as the user accelerates, allowing for a self-regulating workout experience that can be tailored to the individual's strength levels. Additionally, the compact nature of flywheel equipment makes it suitable for home gyms, providing an effective workout option that doesn't require extensive space.
Frederick Correa's Background
Frederick Correa's journey in strength and power training spans a diverse array of experiences, from ice hockey to medicine. Initially pursuing a degree in engineering, he transitioned to sports science where he began exploring physiology and athletic performance. His involvement with flywheel training began in the late 1990s while studying at Karolinska University, where he worked alongside researchers focused on training in space. Eventually, he co-founded Eccentric in 2011, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications for athletes, all while balancing a medical career.
Benefits of Flywheel Training
Flywheel training offers numerous advantages for strength development, particularly in accommodating resistance throughout the full range of motion. Unlike traditional weightlifting where resistance is static, the flywheel's dynamic resistance allows users to apply force at various speeds, enhancing both strength and hypertrophy. This capability encourages more effective training for athletes by focusing on specific angles and muscles that are crucial for their sport. Studies have demonstrated that participants utilizing flywheel training experience improvements in muscle activation across their entire range of motion, making it a versatile tool for strength development.
Importance of Eccentric Training
Eccentric strength training plays a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance, especially in sports where explosive movements are common. Research indicates that neglecting the eccentric phase of a lift can significantly hinder strength output and muscle growth. Flywheel devices inherently emphasize this component by requiring users to control their descent, ensuring that they benefit from both the concentric and eccentric phases of movement. Athletes engaging in flywheel training not only improve their strength but also enhance their ability to absorb forces during dynamic activities, reducing the risk of injury.
Future Research Directions
There is a growing interest in further research to explore the specific impacts of flywheel training on varied athletic populations, such as golfers and other sports players. Future studies could aim to establish clear correlations between flywheel training adaptations and performance outcomes in specific sports contexts, providing more precise guidelines for athletes and coaches. Additionally, examining the clinical applications of eccentric training, particularly for injury prevention and rehabilitation, presents another promising avenue for research. Gathering data across different demographics will help to tailor recommendations and maximize the benefits of flywheel training for a broader audience.
In this episode of the Fit For Golf Podcast I am joined by Fredrik Correa. Fredrik is an expert in strength and power development, and has particular knowledge in flywheel training. Flywheel training is something I have become very interested in, and use a lot in my own training.
There is strong evidence supporting it’s value in the scientific literature and as soon as you use it you can feel how it is different to traditional resistance training.
You can get 10% off Exxentric equipment with the code FFG at the following link: https://exxentric.com/wpam_id/110/
Full disclosure: I am an Exxentric ambassador. This means that if you decide to purchase Exxentric equipment with the FFG discount code that I get a commission. I do truly believe in the equipment however, and when I was setting up my garage gym, I purchased Exxentric equipment out of my own pocket!
Twitter and IG: @go_exxentric
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