David Barr's research experience includes work for NASA at the Johnson Space Center, as well as studying the effect protein intake on muscle growth. He has authored 2 books and more than 50 web-based publications on applied training and supplement science.
"Your Body Sucks"
I had my suspicions, but it was still a little disconcerting. Walking the Vegas strip with two guys following closely behind me, not even trying to hide the fact that they were completely engrossed in my posterior body movement.
Such is the life of a performance biomechanist, and the gentlemen in question were Editorial Assistant Alan Gurler, and colleague Bryan Kavanah. As it turned out, they couldn't stop analyzing my "intense" gait and the numerous physical problems it might portend. This was my first glimpse of the genius that was Gurler, and in honor of his last week at Weider, I'd like to share a few of things he's taught me -they've literally changed my life.
1) "Your shoulders suck."
This was probably his first assessment, well before any rigorous examination. Based on his ambiguity, I had to enquire as to whether he meant mobility, strength, stability, etc. His reply:
"Everything. They just suck."
Although he'd never actually say those words to anyone, his point was clear. He showed me several exercises to work on each aspect, and for the first time in years I'm benching without pain. For specifics, be sure to check out John Izzo's incredible 7-Phase shoulder article, Edited by Gurler.
2) "Your core sucks."
Alan was the first to discover that I had a strength imbalance in my core, which would not only limit my lifts, it could potentially lead to back issues. Isometric Bird Dogs were the initial prescription, followed by more dynamic movements as my strength and core coordination improved.
3) "Your knee sucks."
Years after a partial ACL tear, my knee still didn't feel stable at all. A quick lateral step test, and the shocked look from Gurler (when I nearly fell over), was all I needed. Lateral mobility work ensued and my knee hasn't bothered me since. Hell, I even climbed in and out of the Grand Canyon without the slightest hint of problems.
Together, his help has changed my life.
Alan will be missed around the office, but I'm reminded that we'll all be more productive without his ability to engage anyone in lengthy (fascinating) conversation. That and the fact that he's hanging out in Europe for the next year.
With that in mind, I'd like to close with a heartfelt quote from John Cleese: "Good riddance to him, the freeloading bastard! I hope he fries."
This was probably his first assessment, well before any rigorous examination. Based on his ambiguity, I had to enquire as to whether he meant mobility, strength, stability, etc. His reply:
"Everything. They just suck."
Although he'd never actually say those words to anyone, his point was clear. He showed me several exercises to work on each aspect, and for the first time in years I'm benching without pain. For specifics, be sure to check out John Izzo's incredible 7-Phase shoulder article, Edited by Gurler.
2) "Your core sucks."
Alan was the first to discover that I had a strength imbalance in my core, which would not only limit my lifts, it could potentially lead to back issues. Isometric Bird Dogs were the initial prescription, followed by more dynamic movements as my strength and core coordination improved.
3) "Your knee sucks."
Years after a partial ACL tear, my knee still didn't feel stable at all. A quick lateral step test, and the shocked look from Gurler (when I nearly fell over), was all I needed. Lateral mobility work ensued and my knee hasn't bothered me since. Hell, I even climbed in and out of the Grand Canyon without the slightest hint of problems.
Together, his help has changed my life.
Alan will be missed around the office, but I'm reminded that we'll all be more productive without his ability to engage anyone in lengthy (fascinating) conversation. That and the fact that he's hanging out in Europe for the next year.
With that in mind, I'd like to close with a heartfelt quote from John Cleese: "Good riddance to him, the freeloading bastard! I hope he fries."
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