Posted by: rql () on Fri Sep 25 19:58:53 2009

> > > If you watch Chase Utley workout it is all about core stretching and strength so this exercise you describe doesn't surprise that it worked. I watched an ESPN segment and it showed Mark Texeira playing stick ball. What surprised me was how flexible he was when he rotated when he hit. He was playing with regular guys so it was very apparent that he was more core flexible than they were. Core flexibility and strength carries over and benefits running, throwing, and even kicking a ball.
> > >
> > > Never done eye training and have no experience with it.
> > I did a similar experiment about 5 years ago and found using cables and resistance training doing exercises that mimiced hitting motion and medicine ball routines,I became stronger or longer balls hit consistent off of a tee,there is things that will work,but hitters are born mechanics can be improved,theres a difference
> > I think you need to be careful when it comes to watching an athlete's current workout & trying to decide if that's what made a big chunk of what they are now or not. Some of these folks were likely very flexible to begin with & had excellent natural ability levels prior to ever hearing of this type of training. Or, perhaps they did get exposed to a method which made a big difference. It's tough to tell just from hearing the reports. Especially when you look at all the gadgets & courses for sale. Some of it is likely useful while some is just plain old marketing (another word for bs)
> > Ernie
>
> I'm sure there are all sorts of torture devices out there designed to make one more flexible. The workouts I've seen generally involve a medicine ball and rotating your core slowly from either a standing or laying position. I've seen some that involve bands. All appear to be pretty safe. They are generally slow rotation so probably safer than even swinging a bat. No doubt flexibility improves athletic performance. Particularly hitting.