T-Time Podcast // Ep. 69: (Part 4) Distance Series: Why Mobility Matters with Neal Valera of Stick Mobility
In this insightful episode, Neal Valera, a renowned health, strength, and mobility coach and Co-Founder of Stick Mobility, joins hosts Andrew Hannon and Tori. Valera discusses the unique role that their specially designed training sticks play in enhancing the athletic performance of individuals, regardless of stamina, agility, or sport.
These sticks dubbed the Stick Mobility, aid athletes in maximizing their range of motion, boosting muscle activation, and improving coordination and body awareness, ultimately laying the groundwork for enhanced movement. Notably, this tool is highly beneficial for golfers seeking to elevate their skills, offering improved balance, grip, and strength while contributing to joint mobility.
Neal further explores the significant role strength and cardio training can have for golfers and dispels pervasive weight training myths, particularly amongst women. As someone who has been passionately training people in strength, mobility, and movement since 2007, Neal offers a wealth of knowledge on maintaining health, increasing longevity, and optimizing performance. Here’s a summary of what Neal shared with us on the episode.
Journey Toward Developing an Innovative Fitness Instrument
In 2013, Neal Valera learned the technique of stick stretching from a doctor in Santa Cruz. Originally, this method involved passive stretching using the leverage of a dowel rod, possibly made from bamboo or similar material. Over time, Neal and his team incorporated more strength elements, such as isometrics, which necessitated a more robust tool. This mission shaped the thinking around what the tool could accomplish. They had observed that combining flexibility and strength (or mobility) in training produced impressive results. The stick-like tool they were developing proved particularly useful for introducing and enforcing this principle in their training methods. They found that they could assist clients into specific ranges of motion and then add tension at that point using the stick. As a client's comfort and confidence grew in their ability to control their body in novel positions, they mastered more complex movements. These developments garnered attention from professional athletic circles, most notably the Cincinnati Bengals' head strength coach. Impressed, the coach approached Neal seeking a demonstration of their methods, which resulted in an invitation to offer a certification course for their staff. This encounter paved the way for other professionals, including trainers, physical therapists, and chiropractors alike, to discover the value of their approach. It became evident that Neal and his team had created something with wide applications, adaptable for everything from rehabilitation to basic fitness to high performance. This indeed marked their venture’s pivotal breakthrough – the creation of a tool that effectively bridged the gap between rehabilitation and strength conditioning.
From Idea to Finished Product
The journey from concept to finished product did not happen overnight. It took about a year and a half to two years to refine the design and launch the golf-grip-inspired exercise equipment. Initially sold with tennis wraps, they encountered troubles with the grip unwrapping, motivating Neal to seek a more reliable solution. In the beginning, the product was merely a useful tool for Neal's training and his client's workouts. The plan to create some workout groups and classes was primarily for increased income. However, the product has grown beyond its humble beginnings, as it is now being used globally by numerous fitness enthusiasts.
Understanding Mobility
According to Valera, mobility is an essential blend of strength, flexibility, and coordination, more succinctly put as motor control. Mobility isn't an inherent trait; rather it is a skill that must be maintained and enhanced by engaging in regular physical activities and exposing our bodies to diverse ranges of motion. Valera further provides insight into how mobility deteriorates with age. He shared an inspiring example of seasoned rock climbers who, in their 70s, are still able to achieve full ranges of motion, albeit less strength and explosiveness due to age. He concluded with a powerful reminder of the adage "use it or lose it", emphasizing that consistent physical activity can keep us mobile and agile till our old age.
The Use of Mobility Stick in Training
In golf training, the mobility stick comes in handy. According to Andrew, it assists in teaching specific rotational moves. It is beneficial in helping golfers understand where their rotation is coming from and teaching older players, who may lack the ability to side bend from their rib cage, new movement patterns. Neal Valera argues that the first thing trainers observe when a new client walks into the gym is their general fitness. This factor dramatically influences the training approach since golf is a physically-intensive sport that often requires four to five hours of continuous play. Therefore, if a golfer is notably out of condition, improving their overall cardiovascular condition and strength will become the priority before diving into more specific areas. Valera believes that while working on these foundational aspects of fitness, trainers should concurrently focus on motion-limited areas, such as the hips, shoulders, and spine. These aspects are vital to the golf swing and often need specialized attention.
Future Prospects of Stick Mobility in Golf
Finally, Valera talks about the future of stick mobility, highlighting potential development areas, such as certification courses for trainers and golf programs. He illuminates how stick mobility complements golf technique through the Golf Field program, which clarifies and simulates the physical forces involved in different positions and movements during a golf swing. This unique approach to understanding golf technique justifies Valera's original contention that golf is indeed an athlete's game.
Accessibility of Stick Mobility
Valera emphasizes that the tools for stick mobility training are readily accessible for purchase online, hence moving the concept of dedicated golf training into everyday living spaces. The Stick Mobility website, as well as the extensive catalog of instructional videos available on their YouTube channel, provide easy-to-follow guides for at-home training routines.
Individual Differences and Training Adjustments
On the same note, Andrew echoes Valera’s observations but brings forth the crucial element of individual differences. He cites his experience working with golfers in their 50s and 60s who consistently play golf several times a week. Despite their ability to execute the golf swing, they can still encounter difficulties when asked to perform certain movements in the gym. For Andrew, the challenge comes in improving these golfers’ movement and fitness levels to enhance their performance. A significant part of his strategy involves working on fitness qualities that help them get in shape, which can inadvertently lead to a greater range of motion. In some cases, the improvement in their range may occur without the necessity for specific mobility or stretching exercises. Therefore, Andrew emphasizes the importance of understanding an individual's unique capacity and range of motion, and adjusting training strategies accordingly.
The Impact of Mobility Enhancement on Golfing Performance
For unseasoned gym-goers, it might seem puzzling how workouts and mobility enhancement could enhance their golf game skills. Valera points out that scalable training programs incorporate tools like the stick mobility to expedite progress irrespective of one's fitness level. A basic lunge drill, for instance, starts with hands on the sticks, alleviating some weight off the legs. This method offers stability and comfort while simultaneously working the arms and grip. Therefore, participants need not worry about falling over due to inadequate leg strength. As the players' strength increases, rotations are added, allowing individuals to explore the full spectrum of their movement in the spine, torso, arms, and shoulders--all vital for golf. Interestingly, even though you may not have considered general leg strength important to golf, Valera emphasizes that it transfers to the game significantly, in terms of walking the hills and generating more power in the golf swing.
Understanding the Role of Cardio in Regular Workouts
Valera explained the role of cardio in the lives of golfers. As most golfers tend to acquire a sufficient quantity of Zone 1 and Zone 2 cardio during their golf rounds, especially if they walk the course, the need to incorporate further cardio could be bypassed. Instead, Valera recommended high-intensity activities, like sprints or activities on an air bike, to build power, beneficial not only for overall fitness but also a stronger swinging power in golf. Interestingly, Valera also proposed incorporating jumping drills into workout routines. Despite the apprehension most individuals feel towards this activity due to fear of injury or incapability, consistent and careful practice can enhance athletic performance and coordination.
Addressing the Misconception of Bulking for Women
Lifting weights does not mean all women will automatically gain a bulky body – this is a gross misconception. One's body structure and level of muscularity largely depend on genetics and hormonal levels. Some may be prone to develop a higher mass of muscle, and yet, others may find it hard to gain bulk despite regular heavy lifting. Therefore, women should not fear looking more masculine from strength training, as it is difficult to become excessively muscular without the contributing factors of high testosterone levels and specific genetics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Neal Valera emphasized on the importance of mobility in both athletic performance and daily life. The journey towards developing the training sticks, originally intended for enhancing flexibility and strength, has seen them emerge as an effective tool for athletes, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts alike, with diverse applications across the spectrum from rehabilitation to high performance. Constant adaptations have resulted in a groundbreaking product that effectively bridges the gap between rehabilitation and strength conditioning. Furthermore, Valera debunked, among other myths, notions suggesting that women would gain an unwieldy muscle mass through lifting weights, and highlighted the role strength training plays in daily life beyond athletic pursuits. As per Valera, consistent strength training not only aids in mobility and muscular strength, but also conveys essential benefits for longevity, overall health, and improved quality of life. Ultimately, this venture aims to improve individual mobility, and physical agility, and support individuals in their journey toward their fitness, health, athletic, or rehabilitative goals.
Connect with Our Guests
Neal Valera:
Instagram | Stick Mobility | Linkedin
Connect with us on your favorite social platform:
Subscribe to our FREE Female Golfer Facebook Group:
First T Crew [Behind the Scenes of Women’s Golf]
Get in touch!
Instagram:
TikTok:
YouTube:
Website:
