UTR Training: The Bodyblade

Over the course of my career, I have been exposed to some well-respected strength coaches and personal trainers. Back in 2002, while working with Alan Tyson of Architech Sports in Charlotte, North Carolina, I was introduced to the Bodyblade. It is an excellent tool for pitchers looking to either strengthen their arms to prevent injury or to rehabilitate an injury. There are blades of varying difficulties. However, a lighter blade used for longer durations will burn and strengthen the muscles we pitchers use plenty.

Predominantly, I use the Bodyblade to strengthen the small muscle group on the back of my shoulder. There are many ways to do this. One calls for the pitcher to balance on his landing leg, keep his push-off leg extended back, and his throwing arm extended forward. From this position, he shakes the blade for increments of 10-15 seconds, rests, and then continues again.

(Picture #2 is similar to the position I am describing)

Without getting scientific or technical, it is important that we pitchers strengthen the rear muscles in our shoulder. These muscles are responsible for decelerating the arm after we release the ball. Many arm injuries occur from muscle imbalance. This is where the muscles in the front of the shoulder are far stronger than those in the rear. A pitcher's front shoulder muscles are used to accelerate the arm. If the intensity/strength of acceleration is greater than the strength to decelerate, odds are high for arm injuries down the road.

As a point of reference, I have been told that for every 1 "push" lift that works the front of the shoulder, a pitcher should do 3 "pull" or rear shoulder exercises.

Here is a description of the Bodyblade via www.bodyblade.com. I highly recommend this piece of equipment to any pitcher out there looking to strengthen and/or stabilize their shoulder.

Bodyblade, the patented, revolutionary workout system for fast, effective muscle strengthening, power development, stabilization and toning, was invented by California physical therapist, Bruce Hymanson. Hymanson sought to create an exercise regimen that would train the muscles around the shoulders without forcing the joint to initially go through a wide range of motion, thus minimizing pain. Bodyblade's oscillating motion forces the shoulder muscles, as well as hundreds of other muscles, to contract 270 times a minute.

Hymanson has taken this efficient yet effective movement and incorporated it into more than thirty expandable exercises designed to not only rehabilitate, but also provide a fast and fun workout routine for individuals of all ages and abilities. Since it hit the market in 1991, Bodyblade's reception has been tremendous—more than a half-million units have been sold worldwide.

-www.bodyblade.com