Earlier this week, you and I had a little talk about alternating function.
Needless to say, whether you want to play rotational sports, go for a leisurely jog from time-to-time, or simply want to be a better moving human being, you should find ways to emphasize alternating function in your programming.
However, when I first started coaching and cuing alternating exercises, I’m not sure I was doing everything to a ‘T.’
As you’ll see in this short video, where you are driving rotation and the cues/visuals you provide are critical.
When it comes to thorax rotation, too often athletes are focused on motion at the shoulders.
Instead, I like to focus on motion at the thorax. You do this by cuing them (or making them conscious of) the position of their sternum, or breastbone.
Lots of people use this now, but I believe Mike Cantrell of PRI fame was the use the first to use the “laser on your breastbone” cue.
Whether you’re training gait or alternating function, think about having a laser on your breastbone, and as you train alternating function/gait, imagine that laser pointing or shooting side-to-side.
Another thing that I like to do is create alternating action up top with both arms.
In other words, even if you’re only lifting with the right arm, I still like to keep the left arm involved as it helps drive and facilitate better thorax rotation and alternating function.
This is an incredibly simple tip/cue, but it’s one that can make a profound impact on how you move and feel.
Give it a shot and let me know what you think!
All the best
MR
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