Absolute Resource Guide: Fascicles of the Adult Human Achilles Tendon + Training Video
An anatomical study which enables us to better execute tissue specific training or treatment work. Brain Fox tissue-specific training video example. Downloadable PDF at the bottom.
"The Achilles tendon is not a homogenous structure…
since it is built up of fascicles which originate from the particular parts of the triceps surae muscle."1 . While this is a well-established physiological fact, it is not commonly recognized in modern sports training. In our recent founders' meeting2, we had an insightful discussion about targeting specific areas of connective tissue architecture. This resource guide aims to build on that conversation by focusing on tissue-specific training of the Achilles tendon—a blindspot of modern sports training
By understanding the anatomy—though we do not follow the conventional paradigm of anatomy but instead the FRS BioFlow model—we can learn how to better coach the training of this tissue, which is, in essence, the "Achilles heel" of many training programs.
Calve + Achilles Tendon Reactive Strength Training Example: Brian Fox
Subscribers frequently request training examples. Now that we’re on social media and ruffling some feathers, those critics are now asking for training solutions—something we definitely have. The perfect example is FR provider Brian Fox, utilizing the Internal Isometric Continuum to train the bottom-up element of reactive strength. Do yourself a favor—watch the video, read the caption, and use what you learned to accomplish the training task.
Note: Brian is located in San Francisco and may be able to assist with solutions to any reactive strength problems that could be happening out there—the 49ers come to mind.
Tissue-Specific Loading of the Achilles Tendon: Find a Position
Here’s the training task to help us all become better strength practitioners: Read the attached article (PDF) and the try some different training positions and add a loading strategy from the Internal Isometric Continuum that target specific areas of the BioFlow within the Achilles tendon.
