Training Muscles to be Brakes
Our muscles act as decelerators and a braking system against external forces. Our ability to “apply the brakes” is critical to injury prevention. Developing eccentric strength and grip strength is key to training the muscles to be brakes. Eccentric strength refers to the lengthening action of a muscle when it is lowering a weight. Stepping down off of a curb requires eccentric strength in the leg muscles. The tibialis muscle acts as the braking system for the lower leg. Strong tibialis muscles mean we can abruptly stop if needed and we have the ability to flex the foot to prevent from tripping.
If you want to develop your braking system muscles check out the PK Strength class on Mondays at 12pm EST and check out our Silver Nuggets on YouTube.