Focus: To optimize your training

The last three weeks we have had full focus on training theory. The lessons combines theory with practise, which has dealt with the areas of mobility, stability, balance, cardio, plyometric/reactive training, speed/reaction/quickness and eventually resistance training.

When and how to use these training methods are greatly influenced by your background, ambitions, goals and requirements. Training set-up will therefore be based on the level where you are right now, which in turn is systematically and methodically to optimize the performance of physiological, physical and mental aspects.

The concept relies on the different areas (mobility, stability, balance etc.) which are integrated in a sort of staircase called the OPT-model, Optimized Performance Training model. We can briefly describe it as when we have a plan to build a solid house from scratch, where you eventually finish with the roofing. A very short and practical example is that a reduced mobility of the ankle will give compensating movements further up in the body, because the requirement of being able to walk, run or perform a squat requires a certain range of motion in the ankle. To maintain a proper running style, even when you are tired, also requires a sufficient stability in the torso and muscle strength in the legs. In the end everything is connected to each other and sometimes it is difficult to know exactly what is the chicken and the egg. That’s probably why I really prefer the professions as physiotherapist and personal trainer, as they constantly require attention and a sharp brain that also need to be responsive to new research and development in the area.

A few days ago I also graduated to a test manager, which means that I’m now able to calculate your maximum oxygen uptake, in other words aerob condition. It is interesting in terms of looking at the present and future health parameters, as well as to develop and follow your training.

Autumn holiday is now officially up and running and for the moment I find myself in Älvdalen with my little sister Linnea. Tomorrow we’ll travel towards the Norwegian border for further adventures. Hurray!

So take the opportunity to get out into the forest and experience all the beautiful colors that autumn has to offer.