To Twist or NOT to Twist

If I could be one of the many storms, I'd be a twister. Violent, rotating winds tearing up trees, lifting houses and clearing everything in its path. Sounds like an NFL films John Facenda narration! I'll redirect into the science of movement the basic pattern of walking that is rotary based. So what do you think that means when it comes to adding power or speed into the equation?

All day long, we twist or attempt to prevent rotation, depending on the movement and the sport of choice. Whether it be at the shoulders or hips or BOTH, get your swerve on and get it correct! Rotation can be looked at via the FMS, through clandestine patterns such as lunge, leg raise and squat, but can be seen through obvious patterns like shoulder mobility and, of course, rotary stability. I would argue 15 of the 21 total points can be somehow derived from twisting or stabilizing rotation. Heck, maybe all of the 21 if you get super philosophical . . . anyone argue?

With that said, it might just be key to train rotation, even if you are not a tennis player, shotputter or pitcher. Not to mention digging a ditch or vacuuming the living room. Much of our training is in front of us or in the sagittal plane. Why not add some good 'ol floor/windshield wipers or quadruped exercises to start and build from there. Both performance and aesthetics can be achieved when twisting. Rock a side plank for 60 seconds on each side, drink plenty of water and watch those love handles blow away like a Kansas tin roof!

Mark has been with ONE Human Performance since the facility's inception in 2002 and serves as Elite Trainer and Operations Director. His background includes NASM, CPT, CSCS and FMS certifications. His personal experience as a track athlete and powerlifter brings a rare blend to the performance and movement side of training.