Are Russian training programs set well in advance and then closely followed? This is a common question asked by both coaches and athletes. However, the exact details of the Russian plans have considerable flexibility. This is due to the constant evaluation of the athlete’s progress with control tests. In this way, they see if the […]
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Exercises are often described as being functional. By this, the authors imply that the exercise is specific to a particular sport. The only criteria used for the exercise to be functional is that it involve the same muscles as are involved in the execution of the sports skill. This is far from what the Russians
Before answering this question, close your eyes and try to visualize the sounds of a bodybuilder working out. Can you identify who is lifting heavy weights as opposed to light weights? If you are an athlete or coach, listen to someone run, jump or exeute some other sports skill. Try to determine if it has
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Much attention has been focused on eccentric contraction exercises (also known as negatives) in which the muscle yields to an outside force. As this contraction takes place, the muscle lengthens and develops tension. The greater the resistance, the greater the muscle tension. The Russian’s have done considerable research on the eccentric contraction and have found
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When workers typically take a break, they have a cup of coffee, sit down and “relax”. This may be the thing to do, but according to the Russians, it is not very productive. They have done many studies, all of which show that taking an active physical break helps to improve productivity as well as