Here is a guest blog post I did for Eric Cressey.

It dealt with modifying a conventional activation exercise and you know, here at Diesel, that is what we are famous for.

What I do with my athletes is introduce an elastic band into their rehab / activation protocols for scapular wall slides (SWS).

Here was a question from one of Eric’s readers:

“On the surface, the sounds extremely innovative and effective, but it got me wondering…..I thought the purpose of low(er) level activation work was merely to get the muscle firing and then to integrate it in other training (rows, pull-ups, etc) to derive further benefits in MU recruitment, strength, and so on.

For example, “classic” scapular wall slides followed by a chin or pull-up with full scapular retraction and depression, possibly even with iso holds i the top position.

I am genuinely curious and do not mean this post in an offensive way.”

Here was my response:

You’re exactly right in your progression model. The intent of the exercise is to transition from low threshold motor unit (LTMU) recruitment to a higher threshold motor unit (HTMU) improving intramuscular coordination prior to integration (intermuscular coordination).

You can read all about it HERE.

How to Build Muscle | Muscle Building Workouts | How to Lose Fat | Six Pack Abs | Build Muscle, Muscle Gaining Workouts | Build Muscle Membership Site

Articles You Might Also Like:

• Foam Training – Innovative Training Solutions – Article and Video
• New Core Training Exercise – Bridging Tornado Ball
• Complex Training for Elite MMA Athletes
• Power Combos for Big Muscle Fast
• A New Look at Planks

Tags: build, how to build muscle, injury rehab recover from injury, muscle

This entry was posted on Monday, June 1st, 2009 at 6:01 pm and is filed under accelerated muscular development, injury rehab recover from injury, muscle building anatomy, strength training muscle building workouts, strength training to improve athletic performance, strength training workouts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.