Build your bulletproof back
Law enforcement officers often spend many
hours in their squad cars, and we all know what the
seated position can do to a person’s back. Couple
that with the extreme pattern overload of getting in
and out of the car all day long – often on the same
side – and this leads to musculature imbalances that
can cause all types of dysfunctions and, inevitably,
chronic pain. Additionally, members of law enforceDANIEL
ment have all mentioned that their duty belts and
RAMSAY
vests play a huge part in the beatings that their bodies are taking on a daily basis.
Anyone who has a bad back has heard the advice: “Make sure
you stretch and strengthen your core!” Respectfully, this is easier
said than done. While finding a stretching program that addresses
your specific problems would be wise, you would first need to have
a professional assess your needs and design that program for you.
Most people will just go to a steady regimen of sit-ups, crunches,
knee raises, some twisting movements and sprinkle in a few planks
at the end – basically the famous training scene in Rocky.
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NEW JERSEY COPS
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Despite its effectiveness for Stallone, it never seems to work for
anyone in the real world. That’s because most of these so-called
core exercises lead to spinal flexion, which usually ends in further
pain for the well-intentioned trainee.
The answer to a strong core and bulletproof back can instead be
found in Macebells, which target the midsection using Load Displacement Training (LDT).
The Newbreed System of Macebell training emphasizes postures
and exercises that strengthen the entire core through full ranges of compound, full-body functional movements that not only
strengthen all the chains of muscles, but also train them to work
together as a unit. This is the real key to a strong, pain-free lower
back, as this type of training leads your body to constantly fight
against momentum and leverage. d
Daniel Ramsay is a functional training specialist. He owns
Bergen County Crossfit in Lodi. For more information on Macebell
training, seminars or certifications, call 973-928-3222.