Improving Age-Group Triathlon Performance Part 2

Following from the previous post, here are two principles to consider while looking at movement efficiency.

𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲

Movement is the central (core) starting point for triathlon performance.

Proper technique is established from functional alignment of the body exhibited by stability and muscular balance in both static and dynamic positions. We see this very clearly with elite athletes and unfortunately not so much with majority of age-group triathletes.

Every triathlete has characteristic movements that impact performance beneficially or unfavourably (or both). The closer you move towards the ideal model of mobility and stability, the better performance will be and the less likely you will get injuries caused by problems from technique.

𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲

The smallest change in technique can affect efficiency or movement, and also can be difficult to measure. For triathletes, the reduction of energy costs and anything else that arrests, limits or reduces forward movement in swimming, cycling and running needs to be addressed.

Triathletes spend tens of thousands of dollars 💸💸💸 on their bike, clothing, helmet, wheels and suit with the single-mindedness to improve performance with cutting edge technology. However, with all that, nothing is more vital to triathlon than proper technique. No technology or equipment can replace and make up for poor alignment of the muscular and skeletal system.

So, until you have achieved close to perfect technique, everything else is secondary.

The pursuit of improved movement and technique should be the ultimate goal. Improving movement foundations, goes beyond the typical stretches or off the rack gym workouts, with both rarely making any impact on postural alignment as well as functional movement.

The solution however, is through implementing systematic assessments to establish the baseline for these limitations and rectify them with corrective exercises.

During this pandemic, are these even achievable given the tight restrictions?

Article written by the Breakaway Coaching team: @eugeneleecoaching