Innovation is probably one of the most overused words in our language today. Innovation is closely linked with change, as it should be. What I notice is that people and organizations seem to be willing to talk about innovation and change, but when it comes to decision making time it is back to the same old way of doing things. I think what people do not realize is that to stay the same requires ch [...]

I was recently asked to contribute to the "Ask Anything" column in Maxim magazine. In this front-of-the-magazine section, Maxim solicits random questions from readers, thenconsult "real experts for actual, scientific answers." I was asked to answer the question why so many gifted athletes are pigeon-toed? Here's my answer (and a special thanks to CFKA for the ball analogies):While there� [...]

The results of tonight's Pennsylvania Democratic primaries are in. Hillary won the state by over 10 percentage points giving her justification to stay in the blood bath that was the Democratic primaries. I bring this up only because one of the central talking points of both the Clinton and Obama camps is the value of experience vs. expertise. Clinton says experience is needed. Obama says expertis [...]

In the popular press, in the scientific literature, at conferences everyone is talking about and writing about the core. Have we put the cart before the horse here, everyone is using the term core, but has anyone ever accurately defined the term? If there is a concise and accurate definition I have not seen it or been able to find it. It bothers me to see the term “core” used in peer r [...]

I asked Jack Blatherwick to address his viewpoint on establishing an aerobic base. Jack is with the Washington Capitols and was conditioning coach for six American Olympic Ice Hockey teams including the 1980 “Miracle Team”). The following is his response:Establishing an aerobic baseby Jack Blatherwick, Ph.DThis question comes up often: is it appropriate for young sprinters and athletes [...]

A new report says people who eat breakfast are more likely to lose weight than those who don't (source). This isn't ground breaking and is in fact expected if you understand the thermic effect of food, as well as the metabolic and endocrine influences on weight, behavior, and appetite that fasting has. It is good to see it in print though to provide a rebuttal who think that weight loss is as si [...]

In my opinion warm-up is one of the most important components of training. It is something you must before each training session. It is a precious time period that has a very specific objective of preparing the body for the subsequent demand of the training of the training session. Warm-up is the bridge from their normal daily activities to the training session. It must be thoroughly planned, just [...]

I just recently had a birthday. Turned 31 in fact. For some reason that sounds dramatically older than 30. I've now been coaching at some level for 14 years. I'm not sure if you can call my first couple years of coaching really coaching but whatever it is, it helped bring me to where I am today. Thankfully, I've had some great opportunities to work with and mentor under people who I would consi [...]

Don't Just Stand There, ThinkNew research suggests that we think not just with our brains, but with our bodiesBy Drake Bennett | January 13, 2008, Boston GlobeWHEN YOU READ something confusing, or work a crossword puzzle, or try to remember where you put your keys, what do you do with your body? Do you sit? Do you stand? Do you pace? Do you do anything with your hands? Do you move your eyes in a [...]

Dave Reddin is the former head conditioning coach for the English National Rugby team. It is generally acknowledged that his innovations in conditioning for Rugby Union were a major factor in the English 2003 World Cup win. Dave was educated at Loughborough University, universally recognized as the "cradle of coaches" for it's renowned physical education curriculum.What are most essential requi [...]