[ QUOTE ]
It is a fine line to balance between strength and flexibility. Too much of one or the other can lead to problems in tree work, because both power and flexibilty are required.
For example, I was very powerful in key areas at the beginning of my rehab. but that strength was un-balanced and inflexible, leading to MSDs. First, I had to lose biased strength and gain flexibility through specific stretching and exercise. My power was lost : (
Next, an even flexibility had to be gained.
Next I had to balance strength in a bio-mechanically efficient way, across a full range of movement, balancing the major muscle groups.
Then I started to increase strength in a balanced way through all muscle groups, whilst retaining flexibility. I had to teach my mind/muscle memory a new song with lots of perfect technique practice, so that my body played the right tune without me having to read the music.
For those that play musical instruments, you'll know how difficult it is to perfect a complex tune off by heart. Its a major PITA to relearn it another way, when your fingers want to play it the old way!
Practice does not make perfect - perfect practice makes perfect!
What I'm saying is, avoid gaining problems by working with bio-mechanical efficiency. If you are going to teach yourself a skill (mind/muscle memory), make sure its an efficient one. Its not always possible, but where applied, sooner or later, you'll be thankful of it. Corrective and compensatory exercise is required to prevent problems from imbalanced tasks such as chainsaw use on the ground (designed to be used right handed).
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks Paulo, I beginning to see the bigger picture.
