WHAT YOU WILL GAIN FROM THIS COURSE

The Fundamentals of Lifting course provides trainers with systems and structures to demonstrate and evaluate the squat, deadlift and bench press safely and effectively to build strength and power. Trainers will also understand and describe relevant programming for client’s needs.

After completing the Strength University Foundations of Lifting Level 1 course, you will have an introductory level understanding of the mechanical aspects of lifting and how to relate these to training yourself and coaching others.

It is your responsibility as an exercise professional to instruct safe exercise routines, and to put methods in place that will provide the best chance of performance and progress. This course will teach you how to analyse movement, with the aim of reducing the risk of injury, and outline how to modify movements to maximise desired results.

The relationship between various segments of the body, and the effect movement of one joint has on movement at another will be discussed. You will learn how to correct common flaws in key exercises. Overall, the course aims to provide the basis for you to extend your learning and maximise your potential as a lifter and coach.

INTRO TO BIOMECHANICS

The human body is designed to move. The combination of soft tissue structures, skeletal arrangement and joint configuration form a functional basis for challenging the physical abilities of what humans can achieve. The ability to move fluidly in an efficient, coordinated pattern can limit risk of injury and enhance one’s physical capabilities.

To do so requires an understanding of how the movement is occurring. Whether it be in a sporting context, in a training environment, or in daily activities; knowledge and recognition of proper movement patterns will aid and assist an individual’s ability to successfully perform a variety of tasks.

Techniques used in training will ultimately define the resultant adaptations, therefore, it is imperative to learn and understand the mechanics of key lifts. The mechanics with which we lift will dictate muscle activation, as different joint angles and movement patterns stimulate contraction of muscles in particular ways.

Optimal mechanics and movement patterns will have many beneficial outcomes in terms of muscle development and functionality, whereas faulty mechanics can increase risk of injury.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR TRAINERS TO UNDERSTAND?

Biomechanical, structural, and physiological considerations do not just relate to lifting movements, but should be respected and adhered to in all activities. It is extremely important for coaches, personal trainers, and lifters to understand and appreciate lifting mechanics and their effect on lifting performance.

If one does not understand how a movement occurs, or how a simple positional modification at one point can affect force at another point in the kinetic chain (such as ankle flexion on knee angle) then one cannot prescribe training effectively as the training adaptations are not being controlled.

Furthermore, the safety implications of poor lifting mechanics can be substantial. Where proper technique and optimal mechanics will enhance an individual’s ability to perform tasks, incorrect movements and poor posture whilst lifting can be extremely detrimental and dangerous to an individual. Injury risk increases greatly with improper mechanics due to increased loads on the body, and high stress at the wrong joint locations.

As noted, this manual is simply a beginner’s guide to lifitng and aims to encompass the most critical aspects of lifting that may concern you in your time training and coaching.

Assessment 1 - Direction

Parts a and b:

a: Attached

b: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dHV0rARpNTNulMyW1...

Fill out the attached file and email to [email protected]

**Be as specific as possible so we can ensure you will get what you want out of this course.