Nearly all of accidents I encounter in these athletes are overuse in nature, similar to a tendinitis or a muscle pressure, on account of extreme stress being positioned on the (now) injured tissue. There are a number of underlying causes for why these overuse accidents might happen, together with diminished mobility and extreme coaching quantity. An space that always will get missed is the connection that energy imbalances play in stopping accidents when powerlifting. When an athlete has one limb that’s considerably stronger than the opposite, typically a compensation happens elsewhere to make up for the asymmetry. Take for instance a powerlifter whose power throughout a deadlift is produced 55% by their proper facet and 45% by their left facet. Over months, and even years, this powerlifter’s proper facet will expertise considerably extra coaching stress than the left facet and will ultimately result in an overuse damage to the precise hip or decrease again.
Whereas everybody tends to have a
dominant (i.e. stronger) facet, when these variations turn into extreme the danger
of damage will increase. How nice does this discrepancy have to be earlier than there may be
an elevated danger of damage? The analysis is inconclusive on this query, however
my scientific expertise is that something higher than a 5-10% distinction left to
proper is problematic. In different phrases, if you’ll be able to overhead press 50 lbs
along with your left arm, however solely 40 lbs along with your proper there may be an elevated likelihood
of experiencing a shoulder damage sooner or later.
Two widespread physique components that powerlifters complain of are their shoulders and decrease again. No quantity of passive remedy or relaxation goes to make up for a energy imbalance in these giant muscle teams. Subsequently, the vast majority of powerlifters I deal with are prescribed ample unilateral workout routines to focus on these physique components for stopping accidents when powerlifting. My favourite practical workout routines to focus on these two areas are 1) single leg field step ups, 2) one-arm farmer carries and three) one-arm overhead kettlebell carries.
Single leg field step ups: This can be a comparatively easy, but humbling, body-weight or weighted train for a lot of athletes. The aim of this train is to isolate and strengthen the glutes unilaterally. To carry out this train, the athlete ought to decide a field top that’s above their knee cap when standing beside the field. Carry out 5-10 repetitions on one leg, then repeat on the alternative facet and word any variations between the 2 sides. Ideally, the athlete is aiming for the leg on the field to carry out 90% of the work, with the leg on the bottom aiding solely 10%. If an athlete can carry out 10 repetitions on every leg with correct type, then both a dumbbell or barbell may be held for extra resistance. I typically prescribe this train to my sufferers as soon as per week, with the aim of progressively lowering any energy discrepancy between the left and proper facet.
Single arm farmer carry: That is considered one of my favourite methods of constructing stomach, decrease again and glute energy in a single extraordinarily practical train. As with the field step up, we’re assessing for any vital distinction between left and proper. To carry out this train merely decide up a heavy kettlebell (or farmer’s carry deal with if obtainable) in a single hand and begin strolling, specializing in sustaining an upright posture. I often instruct my athletes to work as much as a weight that they’ll carry for 30m unbroken, with the aim of making an attempt so as to add 10m every week. As soon as the athlete can full 100m on both sides, I enhance the load to one thing that’s once more difficult for 30m.
Single arm overhead kettlebell carry: Though powerlifters aren’t required to press or maintain weight overhead in competitors, making certain sufficient rotator cuff energy and stability is significant to avoiding a shoulder damage. The only arm overhead carry is a superb train to simultaneous goal all elements of the rotator cuff and scapula. To finish this train, merely press a dumbbell or kettlebell overhead with arm totally prolonged and stroll for the prescribed distance/ time. As with the farmer carry, I encourage my athletes to construct as much as a heavy weight, one which they’ll solely carry for 30m on both sides, after which comply with the identical development because the farmer carries.
These three workout routines are nice so as to add to your powerlifting routine as a option to hold your shoulders, again and hips sturdy and wholesome. Accent workout routines are all too typically handled as “additional” or “complementary” to the primary exercise. Nevertheless, for those who method your accent workout routines with the identical mindset as you do along with your deadlift, squat or bench press (i.e. you attempt to enhance every week), you will note regular enhancements and keep away from future damage.
Full disclaimer – I’m not a aggressive powerlifter and I don’t coach athletes tips on how to put together for powerlifting competitions. I’m a Bodily Therapist; and what I do finest is assist athletes keep injury-free and stopping accidents when powerlifting. Often when an athlete seeks out my companies it’s as a result of she or he has a nagging damage that received’t go away. It turns into my job to find out WHY these accidents occurred and design a restoration plan to get my athlete again to the competitors ground sturdy and wholesome.
By Jason Dyck, Bodily Therapist
Originally posted 2024-01-09 15:31:00.