Becoming a Supple Leopard

While most endurance athletes own a foam roller and spend some time stretching, many are confused about exactly what they are trying to achieve and more often than not they just end up going through the motions.

I have always been a proponent of stretching and foam rolling, working with athletes to help them relieve pain and improve performance. However, 6 months ago an athlete that I was working with (who is also a keen Cross Fitter) introduced me to a book that has quite literally 'changed my life'.

The book was Becoming a Supple Leopard written by Dr Kelly Starrett with Glen Cordoza.

At first glance I was quite sceptical of the book. On the surface it looked like just another strength training guide. As I dug deeper I started to realise that this book was unlike anything I had read before.

The information contained in Becoming a Supple Leopard is explained in such a way that it is easy to read and you do not need an anatomy degree to understand. This makes it an ideal 'self help' guide for athletes of all levels. While the book is targeted mainly towards strength and Cross Fit athletes the information and techniques outlined in this books are almost more beneficial to endurance athletes. Many of the principles covered in this book go amiss in endurance athletes training unlike gym based athletes who tend to pay more attention to these.

Over the past 6 months I have enhanced the 'mobility' work that I personally do as well as the work I do with my athletes using the techniques outlined in Becoming a Supple Leopard.

If you want to start getting the most out of yourself and maximising the 'gain' from the 'pain' you get from foam rolling and stretching then this book is a must.

Also check out Kelly's website here for some great mobility videos: www.mobilitywod.com