Home Blog Random Wednesday Thoughts: 8/13/08

Random Wednesday Thoughts: 8/13/08

Written on August 13, 2008 at 12:01 am, by Eric Cressey

1. Yes, you read that right; it’s Random Wednesday Thoughts. Today (it’s technically 12:01AM), my girlfriend and I are moving to a new apartment. And, tomorrow, we’re headed north to Maine for the weekend. Since the internet still hasn’t been introduced in Maine, I won’t be able to blog while I’m up there.

2. Michael Phelps is pretty dominant, huh? At some point, this is going to get old. Don’t be surprised if he asks them to replace the Star Spangled Banner with “Living in America” by James Brown just to keep things amusing.

3. Speaking of the Olympics, does anyone understand a word that Bella Karolyi is saying?

4. To the folks who were trying to argue against the 40-inch vertical jump I posted earlier this week by implementing complex mathematical equations, I’d strongly encourage you to go back to your Star Trek reruns and get your hand out of your pants. And, try to come up with an elaborate scheme to get your squat up to 135 and maybe, just maybe, actually kiss a girl someday. Female cousins don’t count, though, fellas.

5. I recently received an email question asking if I felt that bench pressing below the “90 degree” elbow mark is harmful for the shoulder, particularly the capsule. The capsular stress argument is really only an issue in those who go into anterior tilt as they approach the bottom position. If you force hyperextension on a scapula in anterior tilt, this will be an issue. Benching with good technique – elbows tucked, chest to the bar, shoulder blades back and down, air in the belly – avoids this problem. For more information, head over to T-Nation.com and read my “Shoulder Savers” series.

6. I’m pretty amazed at how many people have to ask if they need to warm up on their first resistance training exercise. They do the mobility warm-ups prior to lifting, but then wonder if it’s a problem to just throw 315 on the bar and start squatting. Duh! Gradually work your way up.

7. I’ve actually begun to think that all physical therapists should take some sort of class or certification on dealing with overhead throwing athletes. This summer alone, I’ve seen two athletes cleared for return to play with overwhelming glaring movement impairments that are sure-fire recipes for disaster. Long story short, both athletes had internal rotation deficits of greater than 27 degrees on their throwing shoulder. The research has shown that anything over 17.9 degrees markedly increases one’s risk of elbow pain and shoulder (SLAP lesion) problems. Just because an athlete is pain free does not mean he/she is physically ready to participate.

8. Can someone please tell me how synchronized diving was retained as an Olympic sport while baseball and softball are being kicked to the curb?

Wow, that was pretty cynical. Michelle must be rubbing off on me. She’ll be so proud!

10 Responses to “Random Wednesday Thoughts: 8/13/08”

  1. Gregg Says:

    @#4 That’s hilarious, looking at the comments on the youtube video makes me wonder why people whine rather than getting there butt in the gym and doing something themselves. I wonder if he was in his mom’s basement when he wrote that.

  2. frey maxim Says:

    Eric, in regards to your comment:

    all physical therapists should take some sort of class or certification on dealing with overhead throwing athletes

    I couldn’t agree more… man! I played two years of college basketball and then two years of college swimming: two sports with a lot of injury potential. I was constantly injured straight through every season. Looking back with more solid knowledge of training and physical therapy, I am amazed at how bad our therapists were, and they were dealing with NCAA athletes. Physical therapy is a field in desperate need of an overhaul.

  3. Anonymous Says:

    Don’t worry Eric I started a Coolcolj hatin’ thread at BR.

    I think people are asking what are his numbers before the test as many of us have 40 inch vert jumpers as time will give us talented athletes.

    Also what is Clarks electric 40y time? He looks like an athlete that can make it if he gets bigger and faster. -CV

  4. Anonymous Says:

    if i was a woman i’d be rubbing off on you too, you sexy hunk of a man

  5. Buster Marshall Says:

    If Phelps changed the song request that would be hilarious, he’s already done pissed off that drive by media with his over eating at 12,000 kcals a day.

    Oh, what’s wrong with cousins? As long as they are not your immediate cousins.

    Oh and on number one, I see you’re moving to an apartment, I am not sure of your situation, but if you move into a house before the end of 2009 (hopefully it lasts that long) you will be able to live in a house that the mortgage payment is about the same as an apartment.

  6. Anonymous Says:

    because synchronized divers don’t scratch their nuts and spit.

  7. michelle Says:

    I almost just choked when I read that second anonymous comment. and of course I’m (my hate) rubbing off you on. I am great!

  8. Steph Says:

    Your cynicism gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling but you still have a way to go to get to Michelle’s caliber.

    And only you would send me a powerpoint presentation on Vitamin D on a Saturday night. And only I who is stuck in rainy Maine would read it! I think you’re starting to run off on me! Help Michelle!

  9. Kaiser Serajuddin Says:

    Was that jump wind aided? Did anyone check for that?

    And Eric remember, if you make giving up comic books or having relations with a woman a prerequisite, you and all the mags you write for will lose 85% percent of their readers at least –

    Yeah and I almost threw up on that comment – are you editing this thing or what?

  10. Ray McCarthy Says:

    Dude thats nothing wait till you buy a house.


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