From rehabilitation to performance, closed chain exercise is one of the most popular buzzwords in the exercise industry. But all too often wildly popular concepts are not well examined, are taken for granted and are surrounded by assumptions. This results in inaccuracies, poor application and even associations with seemingly magical effects that are simply untrue. Examine the only proven realities of the closed chain concept, the common misconceptions and the application of this concept to your clients’ programs.

Exercise is more than just a weight lifted, tubing stretched or a balance board stabilized! What occurs between the start and the finish positions is the key! Basic doesn’t mean easy...it means the necessary essentials! Examine the essential elements required to ensure that the client is doing exactly what he/she is supposed to do based on ability and the goal itself. Look at specific joint structures, resistance applications and control.

Building upon the essential elements analyzed in Critical Observation basics (session #422), this interactive presentation examines the next set of factors required to ensure that your client is doing exactly what he/she is supposed to do in a given exercise. Influences of concepts such as closed and open chains, intention, acceleration and various resistance modalities will be explored.

Every form of exercise, from Pilates to power lifting, cardio to flexibility, bodybuilding to functional training, boils down to mechanics. Join us for this special course on myth-buster science to help you better understand: Why a dumbbell is not a constant resistance and tubing is not always more resistant when fully stretched. Why the motion you perform doesn't determine which muscles are involved. why abdominal hollowing is not an adequate optimal spinal stabilization technique. Why leg extensions can improve function, while a balance board might not. Why the squat is an open chain exercise that creates as much shear as the leg extension. Part I will included lecture and resistance lab utilizing select pieces of equipment. Part II will explore exercise mechanics by analyzing joints, motion and the application of resistance and manipulation based on various goals. ***RTS is an acroym for the Resistance Training Specialist® certification program

We take resistance for granted, but the truth is that 10 pounds is never 10 pounds of resistance on the body. It can be hundreds of pounds, zero, or actually become assistance. Every single form of resistance and tool we use provides variable resistance, but the changes are usually haphazard and unknown to us. Learn to manipulate the variation to alter benefit and reduce risk and wear.

An exercise is much more than a start position and a finish position. The outcome of an exercise is only as beneficial (or costly) as the precision with which the motions/positions are performed. It all boils down to the quality of the individual rep. Explore the influence of controlling mechanical factors such joint position, joint forces, inertia and active vs. passive support/restraint, as well as intention-based cuing. Learn to alter your clients' exercise experience. They'll be telling you, "I never felt it like that before!"

Every form of exercise boils down to mechanics. Join us for this special course that will dispel all the myths and put you on the right track to creating exercise that will have value for your client. After taking this class you will better understand:

• Why a dumbbell is not a constant resistance and tubing is not always more resistant when fully stretched
• Why the motion you perform doesn’t determine which muscles are involved
• Why leg extensions can improve function, while a balance board might not

Participants will explore and practice exercise mechanics by analyzing joints, motion and the application of resistance and manipulation based on various goals.