One of my favorite RKC-isms, the concept of “linkage versus leakage”, can be an amazingly powerful tool for effective technique. Maintaining all the complicated connections in the body is no easy task. However if you aren’t actively pursuing this end , you can have some sad consequences. The most common example of leakage and the easiest to see is in the Trunk. If you visualize a plank, the sagging middle back is the “leakage” holding the trunk straight and solid is beautiful “Linkage”. Planks that are performed without this connection are really a waste of precious workout energy, and can cause symptomatic back pain. A poorly loaded plank can actually weaken the body for the rest of the workout. Of course one can see leakage of the trunk in any exercise bodyweight or kettlebell. How many times have I seen a rounded or eccesive swayed back during a swing, a Turkish get-up, a snatch, a burpee.  Truly in my mind the linkage of the trunk is the number one priority, as nothing else works if this is not solid.

So how does one approach the all important trunk to establish a well “linked” center? Well this is the million dollar question isn’t it? How many thousand of articles and exercises are marketed as “Core Training”. The truth is it is an individual issue. No one “core”, trunk  exercise fits all. In all cases of “leakage” in this area it is a complicated  but worthwhile endeavor to understand the balance for the individual in this area.

I will tell you that the first step is to return the pelvis to the gravital line, then to reorganize the proper balanced tension of the iliopsoas, and finally  to work through a series of systematic and progressively more trunk loaded positions.

To learn more about how you can find your loaded trunk, make sure you join us for a Foundations class, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday’s at 10:30. Also check in with the blog regularly for more information.

Estimated move date is September 12th but watch for more info.

The new Address

1441 Encinitas Blvd suite 120-122

Encinitas, Ca 92024

Pictures coming soon!!

Kati Reszegi will be teaching class Friday December 17th at 6pm.

The class will be by donation only. It is open to members and non-members. Please bring a guest!

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to de-stress your holiday season with a rejuvenating yoga class.

We would love to know who is interested in coming to class Friday December 17th at 6pm. Please express your interest or questions to robert@kbinstructor.com

“I teach an Ashtanga based vinyasa flow that I sequence myself. Its dynamic and builds strength, stamina and flexibility. I usually custom build classes to address the challenges in the room.” – Kati

When our bodies adopt this option, wear and tear or even injury occurs. Lets look at a very common example. Joe has just returned from an amazing trip to Hawaii! He sits on an airplane for X number of hours, arrives at his destination and heads to the baggage claim. He is chatting with his wife and suddenly sees his bag on the carousel, he twists to the side and grabs his 40+ lb bag. Augh!!! Back pain!!! I have heard accounts of herniated discs from this particular scenario. Why???

Well sadly because of our lifestyle with way too much sitting, our bodies have lost their efficiency and have adopted compensations, that are not always strong and sound. When I work with clients who have pain, knees, feet, you name it, obvious movement patterns are extremely evident that cause the pain. Why does the body move in patterns that produce pain?

Clearly there is a disconnect between our survival brain and our intellectual brain. In survival mode does the brain care if we use the correct pattern? NO!!! It is only concerned with getting away from the tiger! Well I don’t know about you, but in my life cleaning house, gardening, sometimes moving heavy furniture or boxes, and exercise have been the biggest demands. Wouldn’t you expect that without serious threat the body would use an effective pattern of movement? The answer is definitively NO!!!

Why, who knows? How do you change this to live a pain free and strong life, time to go to work!!!

When I work with clients whether they have pain or not, I start with a postural evaluation, and a movement screen (the FMS screen by Gray Cook). I then prescribe a series of exercises to make their bodies understand a more effective way to function and move. It is a systematic approach with a minimum of 10 weekly programs. Within the 10 visits we unveil structural imbalances and work on compensated movement patterns. We fix the imbalances and dial up the correct movement patterns with added strength, intensity, and endurance, until the ability of the client is above and beyond the need of their specific lifestyle.

Please stay posted for more info and more client success stories!

Today you get to hear about Phyllis. This amazing lady started working with me at the suggestion of one of my other wonderful clients. She had sadly been diagnosed with a herniated disc. When I met Phyllis she was in a lot of pain. She explained to me that her daughter (who is now a doctor) recommended she try exercise therapy and avoid surgery at all cost. At our first appointment I could see how much pain she had been living with. I have suffered from back pain myself but nothing like this. I prescribed a series of exercises and Phyllis got a small amount of relief. She worked diligently on the exercises and the next week we added more. She was alway so receptive and truly worked hard , she was motivated because she could see that if the exercises could give her some relief directly, then with time and practice, eventually she would reduce the pain completely.

This is what Phyllis had to say

“Carolyn’s contagious optimism gave me the necessary hope that helped my avoid lower back surgery. Her ability t diagnose the problem and guide me through specific exercises decreased my discomfort right away. With less pain I was able to gain strength by following the exercises she prescribed and prevent a recurrence. I am now able to use the exercise to strengthen and relieve muscle tension. Carolyn’s knowledge, experience, positive attitude, and gentle guidance allowed me to regain flexibility, relieve my paind and to become physically active again.”

As I said she is an amazing lady who has done her “homework” (exercises) regularly. Her hard work has paid off!!!

Stay tuned for more great client success stories to come

For more information about classes Robert can be reached directly at robert@kbinstructor.com

My Awesome Team at CK-FMS May 2010

I returned yesterday from the Dragon Door, CK-FMS Seminar. Taught by Gray Cook and Brett Jones. I signed up last summer when I was on a high from assisting at a Level 1 Russian Kettlebell Challenge. I have to say that after all these months I really didn’t want to go. After all I have been practicing a corrective therapy system with great results for 12 years now. Is this course going to offer me anything I don’t already know? I mean $1695 plus airfare, plus hotel, holy cow I better get some serious info to make it worth my while. Well…..it did deliver. I brought back a huge manual and tons of great information. Gray cook and Brett Jones did not disappoint, they are fabulous story tellers amazing presenters, extremely knowledgeable and funny to boot. The FMS, functional movement screen and the corrective therapy strategies are well researched and I will be adding them to not only my personal clients but also to my class participants.
Get with me as soon as possible to get “screened” and receive some awesome new exercise prescriptions that will revolutionize your body!