Optimizing Leg Strength Training with T-BOW® in Group Fitness
- T-BOW TRAINING AND THERAPY
- Sep 20, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 6
OPTIMIZING LEG STRENGTH TRAINING WITH T-BOW® IN GROUP FITNESS
Bonacina S, Chulvi-Medrano I, Solomonidou V, Farre-Sanchez I, Obenaure K, Pérez-Vivas H, Kneale D, Lasso M, Nocerino S, Peruyera A, Renner M, Serena D, Ribera-Nebot D
Universities of Zúrich, Lleida, Valencia, Bérgamo and Athens.
Proposal of conference for Disportare 2022 · University of South Bohemia
The group fitness classes with T-BOW® developed by Sandra Bonacina at the University of Zurich since 2005 are possibly the highest quality in the world.
Based on physiotherapy, holistic fitness, lots of fun, and constant research and experimentation, as in this proposal:
-----------
SUMMARY
Current group‑fitness leg programs focus heavily on endurance strength.
Optimization of leg strength training in group classes is possible using the T‑BOW®, knowledge and experience since 2005.
T‑BOW® use:
High reactivity and single axis of imbalance → fast, precise postural adjustments accessible to many.
Varied leg demands via swings, static balances, steps and jumps on convex, concave and narrow edges.
Training proposals:
a) Combine floor exercises with T‑BOW® exercises to exploit its differential characteristics.
b) Prioritize conditioning + balance‑coordination when designing leg strength work:
b.1 Blend submaximal, rapid‑explosive and endurance strength using free weights, medicine balls and bands, guided by biomechanical analysis (trunk/foot position, calf role, load placement).
b.2 Enrich balance/coordination tasks on flat ground and on T‑BOW® (stable and unstable surfaces).
Technical considerations:
Careful attention to execution and breathing.
Include tendon/articular unloading, joint mobility and flexibility.
Session design:
Structure classes into 1–3 strength blocks combining submaximal, explosive and endurance priorities.
Personalize programs by class type and participant coordination/balance, spatio‑temporal perception and conditioning levels.
Enrich with socio‑affective, emotional and creative variations.
------------
Abstract
Currently, strength training using free weights and elastic bands is quite widespread in group fitness classes, with a tendency to develop programs based almost exclusively on endurance strength training, especially of the leg muscles.
Based on the experiences in group training with T-BOW® initiated by Sandra Bonacina at Zurich University since 2005 and in order to enrich leg strength training in group fitness classes by improving health, fitness and performance, the following main proposals are made:
(a) combine exercises on the ground with exercises on the T-BOW®, taking advantage of two of its differential characteristics,
(1) its high reactivity and unique axis of imbalance that stimulates very fast and precise postural adjustments accessible to many people, and
(2) its rich possibilities of neuromuscular implications of legs with swings and static balances and with steps and jumps by placing the feet on its concavity and its convexity and on its narrow lateral edges.
(b) prioritize conditioning and balance-coordination for designing leg strength training by
(b.1) healthy combinations of submaximal strength, rapid-explosive strength and endurance strength using free weights, medicine balls and elastic bands, selectively, with biomechanical analysis of muscular implications of legs depending on the positions-movements of the trunk and feet-legs, the nature of the calf muscle complex for ankle stability and movement effectiveness, and placement-movement of the loads,
(b.2) enriching the balance and coordination exercising on the flat ground and on the convexity and concavity of T-BOW® in stable and unstable conditions.
c) take exhaustive care of execution and breathing techniques, and add appropriate tendinous-articular unloading, joint mobility and muscular elasticity d) design class structures with 1-2-3 blocks of strength and combining priorities of submaximal, rapid-explosive and endurance strength.
e) personalize the leg strength training for each type of group class (big group fitness, small group fitness, circuit training in group fitness,...), based on coordination-balance, spatial-temporal perceptions and conditioning levels of participants, and enrich the programs with socio-affectiveness, emotive and creativity variations.
Key words: leg strength, T-BOW®, group fitness, training optimization
_________________________________________________________________________
Proposal of conference for Disportare 2022 International Scientific Conference · University of South Bohemia
70th anniversary of the Department of Education and Sport Studies
October 6-7, 2022 · České Budějovice
Comments