Cathe's latest functional training video

[ddj]

Makes you wonder if she will be using a balance disc (or two) in the upcoming workouts.

https://cathe.com/lift-move-restore-...ance-training/

[bubbles76]

Well, if she does use a balance disc I'll be breaking out my bosu . I'm not in the market for any new equipment unless it's to replace something that breaks.

[alisoncooks]

Interesting! I’ve never in my life pre-ordered a Cathe set, but I am seriously considering it this time!

[prettyinpink]

Interesting, but not sure I want to do lunges on a disc like this.

IF it actually helps train balance so you are less likely to injure knees, then that’s good. But when the exercise itself seems like it could lead to injury, I wonder if there is any data that actually supports the idea that doing this sort of training improves injury risk. I know I’ve heard about research that shows increasing strength of certain muscles can prevent certain injuries, but does balancing on a disc have similar effects?

If the new workouts are fun I might pick up a couple of them. I’m still skeptical on the functional training emphasis, and it makes me curious to see what the thinking is on that now, as it was so in vogue years ago and now isn’t talked about very much.

[Vantreesta]

I didn't click the link, but I do believe using balance tools like a disc or BOSU help work the little stabilizer muscles that help improve balance.

[prettyinpink]

I’m talking about info like this from a few years ago. It seemed like bosu and functional training ideas were everywhere, and then a lot of people backed away from it because of questionable benefits with potential risks. I just don’t know if there’s newer info.

https://www.t-nation.com/training/bo...-bad-and-ugly/

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...
Poorly-designed studies have provided conflicting results from balance board training, showing some benefits to ankle health but an increased risk of knee injuries.
One well-designed study connected unstable surface training to an overall decrease in athletic performance.
It only takes a few sets of unstable training in each workout to add up to big improvements or big problems.
Unstable training is best used for upper body work, like sitting or lying on balls while training. For lower body work, keep your feet on solid ground and find other ways to introduce instability.

The article is much longer and there is more to found from both sides, probably. I did find a more recent article that has a similar message: don’t use unstable surface training for the lower body unless it’s part of your physical therapy program.

I’m sure it is great for the core, and most of us would agree that a good fitness program has some unilateral work which involves balance and core. I was mainly commenting on lunges or difficult plank variations on an unstable surface that she was doing in the video. I’m not sure which one of the workouts that is for, but my instinct is to stay away from that type of move. YMMV.

[Vantreesta]

Originally Posted by prettyinpink

I’m talking about info like this from a few years ago. It seemed like bosu and functional training ideas were everywhere, and then a lot of people backed away from it because of questionable benefits with potential risks. I just don’t know if there’s newer info.

https://www.t-nation.com/training/bo...-bad-and-ugly/

The article is much longer and there is more to found from both sides, probably. I did find a more recent article that has a similar message: don’t use unstable surface training for the lower body unless it’s part of your physical therapy program.

I’m sure it is great for the core, and most of us would agree that a good fitness program has some unilateral work which involves balance and core. I was mainly commenting on lunges or difficult plank variations on an unstable surface that she was doing in the video. I’m not sure which one of the workouts that is for, but my instinct is to stay away from that type of move. YMMV.

I can see that. I have heard the same thing from some sources. I think they did make a good point about using for physical therapy purposes. I guess PT has been part of my life for so long I can hardly tell the difference anymore! I used to do squats on the flat side of my BOSU but I did become convinced that wasn't maybe the best plan with heavy weights. Sometimes it just doesn't pay to multitask!

[bjones]

Originally Posted by ddj

Makes you wonder if she will be using a balance disc (or two) in the upcoming workouts.

https://cathe.com/lift-move-restore-...ance-training/

She better not be!!!
I have no desire to fall down doing functional exercises