The Vital PSOAS Muscle in Relation to Speed Development
In the video below, coach Chris korfist talks about the Psoas Muscle and how it been over looked for a long time, been overlooked in the realm of sports performance and training. This article delves deep into understanding this muscle, its structure, function, and implications in athletic prowess.
The Common Misunderstanding:
It seems like a majority of trainers and health professionals are keen on flexibility. From yoga instructors to chiropractors, everyone’s advice typically revolves around stretching the psoas muscle. They argue that a well-stretched psoas can lead to better athletic performance. But the reality might be a bit different. In fact, some individuals who regularly practice flexibility exercises, such as Pilates, still experience pain and misalignment. This indicates that forcing the body into unnatural postures can lead to complications.
Understanding the Psoas:
The psoas is not just a single muscle; it has three heads. It originates from the spine, extending to the thoracic region, and then attaches to the hip flexors. Its structure is complex, with a 3D nature, wrapping around and connecting various body parts in a fascial manner. This intricate nature makes its role in movement vital yet tricky to fully comprehend.
Misconceptions about Psoas:
Many think of the psoas just in terms of flexibility. However, its primary function is as an initiator of movement. The psoas, especially its diaphragmatic head, is deeply connected to the diaphragm. This connection explains why certain loud expressions, like yelling, can activate the psoas muscle. Furthermore, the muscle has been equated to the structure of a cobra, showing its integral role in providing core strength.
Quick Fix
The Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR) stands out as one of the most effective and expedient methods for assessing and addressing the Psoas. Athletes can potentially maximize their performance by integrating targeted training such as RPR, which has shown to yield tangible improvements in sprint times and peak velocities. In the Level 1 RPR course, participants gain the knowledge and skills to assess the Psoas and optimize its function for game performance, practice, or rehabilitation purposes. In Level 2 RPR Courses, individuals develop the ability to identify and address the primary compensation patterns of the Psoas that manifest in four distinct patterns. Lastly, in Level 3 RPR Course, learners master the assessment of the Psoas across its three divisions and identify specific areas of dysfunction, thereby optimizing human movement at the highest levels.
Research and Revelations:
There’s abundant research signifying the importance of the psoas muscle in athletic performance. For instance, a study observed that elite sprinters had a significantly larger psoas major. Another study highlighted the muscle’s role in curve running, indicating its function in maintaining balance during angular movements.
Training the Psoas:
The key to harnessing the potential of the psoas lies in proper training techniques. One efficient way to engage the psoas is by practicing leg lifts with specific angles. These lifts, starting isometrically, can train the muscle to bear the body’s weight without compensating through other muscles.
Real-life Impacts:
The practical implications of training the psoas are immense. For instance, athletes who focused solely on psoas and feet training saw substantial improvements in their performance times.
Conclusion:
The psoas muscle, with its intricate structure and function, plays a pivotal role in athletic performance. Instead of merely focusing on flexibility, trainers and athletes need to understand its function as a movement initiator. Proper training techniques can harness its potential, leading to enhanced athletic prowess
A Key Exercise in the weight room for Hip Flexor performance