Training The Body From a Joint-By-Joint Perspective

This is an idea that's taking root in the fitness industry, driven most notably by Coach Michael Boyle and the famed Physical Therapist and FMS creator, Gray Cook.  The concept is that there are joints in the body that (based on their design and inherent function) are supposed to be more mobile and move well -- while other joints should actually avoid motion and stay stable.

Injuries and dysfunctions occur when stable joints are moving too much or mobile joints aren't moving enough.  Of greater interest is that the injury is typically experienced at a joint either above or below the joint that isn't functioning properly. 

Here's a quick breakdown of stability and mobility in the major joint structures of the body.

• The neck is supposed to be mobile

• The shoulder girdle is supposed to be stable

• The shoulder is supposed to be mobile

• The lumbar spine is supposed to be stable

• The hips are supposed to be mobile

• The knees are supposed to be stable
• The ankles are supposed to be mobile

According to Boyle and Cook, a "knee problem" (for example) is often REALLY a hip or ankle dysfunction causing pain in the knee. 

In other words, if one of those two regions (hips and ankles) doesn't have good mobility the knee is forced to become more mobile -- even though it's supposed to be stable.  In this case the knee gives up its stability leading to pain, injury and dysfunction.  So your "painful knee" is really a poorly functioning hip and/or ankle.

It's fascinating stuff.  You can listen to the recorded webcast with Coach Boyle that I heard live tonight -- at a new educational resource www.scwebinars.com.   Great stuff for the fitness professional, body worker or exercise enthusiast.  Be sure to check it out!

Geralyn Coopersmith, MA, CSCS is an exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer, author of Fit + Female:  The Complete Fitness and Nutrition Game Plan for Your Unique Body Type and the creator of The Best Me Ever, a comprehensive weight loss and wellness system just for women.  It's a first of its kind program designed to fit into a busy women's life.  Lose weight and look great -- 90 Day Unconditional Money Back Guarantee!!