TT070: Mobility For Faster Performance, Alexander Technique, & Nasal Breathing w/George Dallam

George Dallam returns to discuss his latest studies.  George was a popular guest on episodes 3, 4, and 25.  This time we talk about how mobility might improve running speed.  George is doing a study on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS).  FMS is a test of seven movements and a score is given based on results (a video of the seven movements is included below).

George's study is testing whether increasing mobility over a period of 8 weeks might improve running speed in a one mile test.  Results from other movement studies have shown that improved mobility decreases the chance of injury in other sports.

We briefly touch on the Alexander Technique. Named after Australian F.M. Alexander (1869-1955), Wikipedia describes it as a method "to avoid unnecessary muscular and mental tension during everyday activities".  Based on what little I've learned I'd describe it as a method for good posture.

In my first interview with George three years ago we talked about nasal breathing.  He has completed his study and found benefits to breathing only through the nose during exercise, which include a reduced likelihood of EIB, or exercise induced asthma.  George only breathes through his nose while training and racing.

George is a professor at Colorado State University in Pueblo.  He was the first USA Triathlon National Teams coach and he coached Olympic triathlete Hunter Kemper.

Links

Alexander Technique

Functional movement screen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxjKe-goqQI