Get Off the Ball, Part 2

I've complained before about people who do the wrong exercises on unstable surfaces. Now, Dr. John Berardi, someone who knows a lot about fitness and nutrition, has sent out an email that addresses the topic. Here it is:

Wobble boards, foam pads, swis balls, bosu balls, and inflatable rubber discs...

You'll find them in most gyms and training facilities nowadays. In fact, chances are you've used these types of devices yourself.

But the big question is this...

Could it really be possible that these devices actually INCREASE your chances of injury - while DECREASING your ability to get stronger?

Sadly, the answer is yes...

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying "unstable surface training" is bad. Indeed, there are some very good uses of these types of boards and balls.

However, without a proper understanding of when to use unstable surface training (and a thorough understanding of why), the risks go WAY up while the benefits go way down.

Excitingly, my good friend Eric Cressey has just released a fantastic book called: "The Truth About Unstable Surfaces Training."

This book is a culmination of more than three years of research, experimentation, and analysis. In fact, the foundation of this book is based on Cressey's own research at the University of Connecticut. The rest is based on his experience coaching high level athletes.

In "The Truth About Unstable Surfaces Training" Cressey will walk you through the following:

* The origins of unstable surface training

* The problems with research-to-date on unstable surface training, and why you've been mislead

* The difference between balance and stability

* The five factors affecting one's stability, and how you can modify them to become a more stable athlete

* How unstable surfaces alter muscular recruitment patterns - and how you can use those alterations to your advantage or disadvantage

* The actual science - and research data - that quantifiably justifies or refutes specific uses of unstable surface training

* Guidelines for when and how to implement unstable surface training to maximize training efficiency and help you avoid wasting time and effort

* How unstable surface training can help or hinder performance in different athletes

* How unstable surfaces can increase the risk of injury in some populations, while actually rehabilitating others

* Guidelines for alternative, more sport-specific instability approaches when unstable surface training is not the best avenue to pursue

* 21 different stability progression models encompassing over 50 exercises with photos and descriptions

* How to train balance for maximum functional carryover and superior athletic performance

If you've ever trained using unstable surfaces (i.e. the
devices discussed above) or have always wanted to give it a
try, you absolutely need to have this book in your library.
The lessons you'll learn will be invaluable.

Click here to learn more about Cressey's new book:

Until next time,
JB