Gerard McMahon, an expert challenging conventional beliefs about activation exercises, joins the discussion on their role in sports performance. He argues that these exercises often fall short in enhancing muscle activation for healthy athletes. Instead, he highlights their potential value in rehabilitation. McMahon critiques EMG technology for its inaccuracies in measuring muscle signals, suggesting that traditional activation methods may not prepare athletes effectively for high-intensity activities. He advocates for a shift towards functional training to better mimic actual movement patterns.

Dr. Gerard McMahon, a sports scientist from Ulster University, specializes in tendon adaptations to resistance training. He dives into the debate of partial versus full range squats for enhancing vertical jumps and discusses optimal tendon loading ranges. The podcast also highlights the importance of knowing tendon strain for better strength prescriptions and explores various training techniques, including single leg exercises. McMahon emphasizes tailored training approaches to boost tendon health and performance while minimizing injury risks.