This week on the planet of sports activities science, right here’s what occurred…

• Introducing the U-Bell
• PNF stretching defined
• Menstrual well being’s affect on sport dropout

Introducing the U-Bell

Dr. Aaron Horschig from Squat College isn’t any stranger to SFS Weekly and has been featured in earlier bulletins (right here & right here). Final week I got here throughout a curious YouTube video from Horschig. Within the video, an athlete performs a single-arm kneeling overhead press with a peculiar train instrument that appears like a pair of headphones!

The bizarre piece of apparatus known as the “U-Bell”. Principally, it is sort of a cross between a kettlebell and a dumbbell. The U-Bell can be utilized for a variety of workouts. Nevertheless, it’s proposed to be extremely efficient for growing shoulder stability. Due to its distinctive design, when performing overhead workouts, it turns into extraordinarily unstable (as seen within the video). Due to this fact, extra shoulder stability is required when performing overhead workouts with the U-Bell than with a dumbbell or kettlebell. Growing shoulder stability might produce extra energy in different lifts and cut back shoulder damage threat.

Whereas extra sensible expertise and scientific proof could also be wanted, including a U-Bell to a gymnasium can solely be considered as constructive. As Horschig places “It isn’t a substitute for kettlebells or dumbbells however moderately a brand new instrument that may ship a novel and completely different coaching stimulus”.

PNF stretching defined

Matt Casturo of The Motion System launched a superb YouTube video on Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching previously week. Relating to flexibility coaching, most individuals will use static or dynamic stretches. Nevertheless, PNF stretching is an underrated and underutilised methodology for rising flexibility. PNF stretching makes use of the nervous system to chill out the muscle groups and thus, can facilitate better joint vary of movement.

The video begins by explaining and demonstrating the hold-relax PNF stretching methodology for the hamstrings. Using intelligent video edits actually enhances the viewing and studying expertise. Subsequent, the contract-relax PNF stretching methodology is demonstrated, once more for the hamstrings. Lastly, PNF stretching examples are additionally proven for the adductors and lats.

Whether or not you’re looking at rising your personal flexibility or serving to an athlete/consumer, this video is price testing. Additionally, in case you are learning in your CSCS accreditation, questions on PNF stretching could also be requested within the examination, so be ready!

Menstrual well being’s affect on sport dropout

Feminine dropout in organised sport, particularly on the onset of adolescence, is an issue throughout the globe. An article by CBC Sport advocates that menstruation is the most important impediment stopping younger girls from staying in sports activities. Within the article, Dr. Sarah Zipp, a number one researcher on sport and menstrual well being, says that youth sports activities coaches should educate themselves about menstruation.

Zipp suggests, that feminine sport and athletic growth programmes might be improved if there’s the next:

• Openness to speak about menstruation
• Higher training about menstruation (signs and impacts)
• Higher help from coaches to maintain gamers enjoying

Zipp believes that empowering younger feminine athletes with braveness is essential too. If younger feminine athletes don’t really feel like they’re able to prepare or play on account of menstruation, they shouldn’t be afraid to say it! Should you coach younger feminine athletes, this article is price testing.

Lastly…

Congratulations to South Africa who defeated New Zealand within the Rugby World Cup Remaining. The South African rugby workforce supplied us right here at SFS Weekly with some very fascinating bulletins in earlier weeks.

From us this week:

>> New course: Periodization for Soccer
>> New podcast: Get better Like A Professional With The Newest Science Behind Cooling Methods
>> New infographic: Chilly Showers: The Science
>> New article: VO₂ MAX

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I hope you loved this week’s roundup of the most well liked sports activities science information, and as at all times, we’ll be again subsequent week with extra to maintain you on the forefront of the trade.