3D Dynamic Performance- The New Way for ALL Athletes to Train

5/7/09 Posted in Grinnell Training System  |  0 Comments

The Convergence of Science and Performance training

Nate Schafer and Justin Grinnell

Functional training is a relatively new term that is captivating the attention of the fitness and rehabilitation industry. This term has various meanings to fitness professionals due to the absence of a true definition. Science recognizes that the human body is comprised of musculature, tendons, bones, ligaments and tissues that all work simultaneously to provide one with the gift of Function also referred to as movement. Science has categorized movement into three basic planes of motion. These movements are within the sagittal plane (forward and backwards) frontal plane (side to side) and transverse plane (rotational).

Although this knowledge of Function exists the fitness industry has failed to apply these principals into training and conditioning programs. In an athletic contest of any sort movements are various, simultaneous, dynamic and often unpredictable. Thus, for one to achieve their full athletic potential they must synergistically move the body in compliance with the functional threshold of the sport. In order for one to optimize this functional equilibrium, maximize athletic performance, and reduce the risk of injury the body must be trained in accordance with a three dimensional training regimen.

The multi plane training principles adopted by the 3 D Dynamic curriculum are directly from extensive training with internationally renowned physical therapist, trainer and strength coach Gary Gray. Gray has been deemed the “Father of Function” and has spent decades studying the dynamics of the human body referred to as applied functional science. Gray is sought out for his expertise by world renowned athletes, doctors, and rehabilitation specialists in order to gain a greater understanding on his three dimensional outlook of and application to the human body.

3 Dimensional Dynamics is unlike any other training program in that it incorporates three dimensional training into an all in one package that includes strength, plyometrics, speed and quickness. 3 Dimensional Dynamics builds off the traditional training approach which is dominated by sagittal plane movements and expands the exercises to fit into the principals of applied functional science outlined by Gray.

As coaches we expect our athletes to remember and execute their assignments to the best of their ability. If your team only executed their assignment one third of the time would you expect to have a successful season? Similarly if one is trained to move in a single place of motion then ones functional threshold is reduced, optimal athletic potential is not achieved and body synergy is decreased.

3 Dimensional Dynamics Program Offerings

Since athletics never happen in controlled isolated settings, the movements in the 3 D dynamic program are designed to create various chain reactions to improve the efficiency and functionality of the biomechanical patterns of the body. Each exercise variation deliberately replicates and exceeds the positional demands an athlete may encounter in competition. Systematically training these positions creates an environment for the functional demands of ones sport to become second nature, and movement throughout 3 dimensional spaces optimized. In addition to accomplishing movement equilibrium, optimal athletic performance requires one maintains a high level of focus and awareness to their surroundings, as well as the predetermined task at hand.

This neurological component of sport is simulated in the 3 D Dynamic program by performing multiple actions concurrently within performance training, as well as within structured motor patterns that force the athlete to maintain a high level of concentration and attention to their movement assignment.

The strength portion of the program is composed of squats, power cleans, dead lifts, bench press, pull-ups, rows, and medicine ball throws. These are simply traditional lifts that have been tweaked to meet the three dimensional demands of function. The strength portion increases muscular and tissue strength as well as pliability and flexibility. Dynamic core stability and mobility are also maximized through the various feet positions and movements associated with the core lifts associated with the program.

Speed and quickness are the great equalizers in sports, and essential to the success of teams and individuals in athletics. 3 D Dynamics focuses on training maximum acceleration, velocity, endurance and power in compliance with the multi plane nature of function. This unique approach allows the athlete to develop their speed potential in both a linear and multi plane manner.

Lastly, the plyometric portion of the program is designed to decrease the amount of time it takes for one to accelerate and decelerate the muscle fibers of the body. In doing this one decreases the rate in which muscular contractions occur within the body. Thus, the result is increased explosiveness, acceleration and power.

The 3 D Dynamic performance package is unlike any other performance program in the world in that it systematically intertwines the accepted scientific principals of kinetics and applies the concepts to strength and conditioning programs. You have the opportunity to implement a revolutionary multi plane training system in your program today that will optimize athletic performance, and reduce the risk of injury. Make the investment and witness the supremacy of 3 dimensional training today.