I like to sprinkle this blog with tidbits of information here and there. The idea is that you've never heard of this before and you can add it to your memory bank with the possibility to dazzle your friends and family. Hey, the holidays are coming up and what wouldn't be more exciting to talk about the reciprocal inhibition around the table?
Ah, where to begin...Reciprocal Inhibition is an an exercise science term which means that muscle on one side of a joint contracts while the antagonistic (or opposite) muscle relaxes. So when the quadriceps are contracting your brain sends relaxation signals to the hamstrings. This is actually one of my favorite concepts! I like it because while our body typically does this on it's own it's important to realize what's going. If for some reason, both muscles along either side of a joint contract at the same time a tear can occur resulting in injury. Not always can this happen but if the movement is vigorous enough the muscles strain and actually work against each other simultaneously causing pain.
Here's how it works:
1. Take a book and hold it in your palm face up with your arm extended.
2. Feel your biceps (the part of the arm midway between the elbow and shoulder joint facing up). Feel how it's contracting, it's tight because it's contracted.
3. Next feel your tricep (the part of the arm midway between the elbow and shoulder joints on the underneath side facing down). Feel how flax and loose it feels. It's relaxed.
I think this is important in lots of areas of exercise because to effectively work a certain muscle the opposing muscle needs to be completely relaxed. Think about that the next time you exercise with me!
1 comment:
Ah yes. One of my favorite nerd terms. Figures you would blog about it. :)
This concept is so important when stretching! Imagine stretching your hamstrings while contracting your quads--it is like giving your hamstrings the permission they need to s.t.r.e.t.c.h.
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